Kaboom.
You know exactly what that means in a Mark Hunt (12-10-1) fight. It means he once again leveled his opponent with masterful striking at UFC Fight Night 85 on Saturday night in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Hunt, ranked as the No. 9 heavyweight contender, opened up with a strong low-leg kick. It was clear early No. 10-ranked Frank Mir (18-11) was not interested in standing with Hunt and was only seeking an opportunity to get the fight to the floor. Hunt feinted a lot to figure out how Mir was going to move on his strikes; that movement and timing would be key to landing the one-shot knockout. Mir is one of the smartest fighters in the game and picked his spots well in the first half of the first round.
But Hunt would land the walk-off KO. The official call would be at 3:01 of the first round.
Walk off homerun knockout by @MarkHunt1974! #UFCBrisbane https://t.co/Gt1okMdt26
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 20, 2016
The “Super Samoan” baited Mir to drop levels with his jab and uncorked a clean right hand behind the ear. The referee wasn’t quick to stop the fight, but Hunt had already started walking off knowing his work was done.
After the ref saw the stars in Mir’s eyes, he called an official stop to the contest.
Mark Hunt's walk-off KOs are some of the greatest things in this great sport. Well done, sir.
— Robert Sargent (@MMARising) March 20, 2016
Hunt just put the right where he always puts it, caves in the side of the face, nods at you like you just sold him toothpaste, exits.
— Bleacher Report MMA (@BR_MMA) March 20, 2016
It's like a Tuesday for Mark Hunt, just another walk off KO. That's a bad man. #UFCBrisbane #UFCFightNight pic.twitter.com/ThfZME5qvR
— Ovince Saint Preux (@003_OSP) March 20, 2016
In the post-fight interview with Jon Anik, Hunt showed respect to his fallen opponent. There was no call-out, but there are going to be plenty of high-profile options for Hunt’s next bout.
As for Mir, the former champion is in a quandary. He is aging and in the back half of the heavyweight field. Although, to his credit, the knockout on Saturday night was not a factor of a failing chin. It was a factor of Hunt’s incredible striking acumen. Mir showed his intelligence; he just was not able to execute his game plan.
A great opponent for Mir would be Jared Rosholt. The former collegiate wrestling standout isn’t as much of a threat on the feet, and his bread and butter is on the ground. From a matchmaking standpoint, the UFC would benefit from Rosholt improving his all-around game or Mir getting back in the win column. Brent Brookhouse of MMAJunkie and Suzanne Davis had these observations:
Have to go to 2010 to get to 5 most recent wins for Mir. That’s an issue.
— Brent Brookhouse (@brentbrookhouse) March 20, 2016
Stann and Hardy both encouraging Frank Mir to retired. These guys are good.
— Suzanne Davis (@SoozieCuzie) March 20, 2016
On the post-fight show, Brian Stann called for Mir to hang up the gloves. Also on the telecast, Dan Hardy seemed to echo that sentiment, but he felt that Mir will not call it a career just yet.
In the coming months, the heavyweight division will work itself out as most of the top 10 faces each other, none more important than the heavyweight title fight between Fabricio Werdum and Stipe Miocic. Hunt will have to wait to see who wins, who loses and what chances await. Fox Sports quoted Hunt:
Hunt: I'd fight Stipe, JDS, Werdum, I'd fight any of those guys. I've never lost a rematch. I can party anywhere. #UFCBrisbane
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 20, 2016
The best chance for Hunt is to stay ready in case someone happens to fall out of a fight. Hunt could be a quality replacement for anyone, and another win would put him back in title contention.
The heavyweight landscape will work itself out in the near future. The present is all about marveling over another Hunt walk-off KO. He is an artist painting with his fists. Hunt is a treasure we have to cherish, and one we will be eagerly anticipating returning to the Octagon in short order.
