UFC Heavyweight bout: Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt
Odds: (-340 Rothwell /+260 Hunt )
Betting Pick: Rothwell
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In the opening bout of the evening, former IFL Heavyweight champion “Big” Ben Rothwell will square off with former K-1 World Grand Prix winner Mark Hunt. Rothwell has had a rough time in the UFC so far, but he is a tough, versatile fighter and a very large guy. Hunt has won only one MMA fight since 2006, but he is so huge and has so much punching power that you always have look for the knockout in any fight he is in.
Ben Rothwell was the best Heavyweight in the now-defunct IFL, using his toughness and versatility to dominate his opponents. His UFC debut was very disappointing, as he was mangled by Cain Velasquez in an underwhelming showing, but he won a solid decision over veteran Gilbert Yvel in his last outing. Rothwell is very well-rounded, with knockout power in his hands, good wrestling, and effective submissions from top position. He isn’t the best in the world at anything, but his skill set is very complete and he doesn’t have any massive weaknesses.
Mark Hunt, who once won K-1’s World Grand Prix, is obviously an extremely formidable fighter. He isn’t much of an MMA fighter, since he lacks any real wrestling or submissions, but he does have very heavy hands, an iron chin, a huge frame. There is no question about what Hunt will try to do here, which is land huge power punches as early as possible before he gasses out. If he gets taken down he is in trouble, because he has no ability to work off his back whatsoever.
The only fighters Mark Hunt can beat at this point are guys willing to stand right in front of him, not move around, and not try to take him down. No one questions Hunt’s ability to knock people out, but he is too fat, too old, and too slow to be able to rely only on his punching against guys with complete offensive skill sets. I think Rothwell will take Hunt down and work him over completely. Rothwell by T/Ko.
Prediction: Ben Rothwell via second round T/KO.
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