When UFC 180 comes to an end, we will see an interim UFC heavyweight champion for the fourth time in the division’s history. The question is, who will keep the belt warm until the return of champion Cain Velasquez affords the interim champion the opportunity to become the undisputed champion?
Fabricio Werdum has certainly earned his way to this spot. The 37-year-old Brazilian has gone 4-0 in his second stint with the UFC and holds wins over heavyweight notables Roy Nelson, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Travis Browne in that stretch.
Mark Hunt, meanwhile, is 1-1-1 in his last three UFC bouts, although it should be noted that the draw with Antonio Silva was changed to a no-contest on Silva’s record due to a failed drug test, according to MMA Junkie.
With 14 of their 21 collective wins coming by way of finish, this is a title fight you won’t want to miss. Here’s when and where you can catch all of the action.
When: Saturday, Nov. 15
Start Time: Fight Pass Prelims at 7 p.m. ET; Fox Sports 1 Prelims at 8 p.m. ET; Main Card PPV at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Arena Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Live Stream: UFC.tv
Odds via Odds Shark as of Sunday, Nov. 9 at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Fight Preview
Stylistically, it doesn’t get more interesting than this one. This is a classic slugger vs. grappler matchup, and the winner will be the fighter who can keep the fight where he wants it.
In Hunt’s case, that means keeping the fight right where it starts—standing. The Super Samoan is a knockout artist with the one-punch power to put the belt around his waist at any moment if Werdum loses focus for even a split second.
Hunt’s power was on full display in his last bout against Roy Nelson. Taking on one of the toughest fighters in the division, Hunt handed Big Country his first knockout loss since 2008. By contrast, Vai Cavalo wasn’t able to put Nelson away, despite landing 91 significant strikes in three rounds, per FightMetric.
For Werdum, his goal should be to take this fight to the mat. The jiu-jitsu black belt is one of the best submission artists in the division and is facing an opponent who has historically been weak at defending submissions. Hunt has picked up six of his eight losses by way of submission.
Here’s a look at the statistical breakdown of these two fighters:
Prediction
As a man who has fought both Hunt and Werdum, Alistair Overeem has insight few others can provide. In an interview with Submission Radio, via Jamie Penick of MMATorch, the Demolition Man gave Werdum the slight edge despite a strength advantage for Hunt:
You know, at the heavyweight division it can go either way… Hunt is an exceptional fighter, but Fabricio has been showing great skill in his last several fights. It can go either way. That being said, I give Fabricio a slight advantage, but Hunt, Hunt is no easy [fight]. I fought him back in 2008. He’s the strongest guy I’ve ever fought. You know if you get hit [by Mark], you’ve got a problem.
It’s difficult to disagree with Overeem’s assessment. Werdum is the more skilled fighter overall. He has learned to utilize his length in the striking game. His ground game is far superior to Hunt’s, and he has more ways to win this fight.
It’s important to acknowledge that Hunt’s strength and power can be game-changers, though. The former K-1 combatant isn’t easy to take down and can end the fight with one punch at any time.
However, as the old adage goes, technique beats strength. Despite all of Hunt’s strength, few fighters possess better technique than Vai Cavalo. That should be the difference in this bout. Werdum will wear Hunt down early and submit him in the later rounds.
Werdum via fourth-round submission.
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