UFC 180 Break Down: Werdum vs. Hunt

 
UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has withdrawn from the scheduled title defence against Fabricio Werdum on 15 November in Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Mexico. Velasquez who is Mexican-American champion was set to headline the show at the arena, however with him grappling with knee injuries the event organizers have replaced him with Mark Hunt in a five round main event. Hunt expect to weigh in at the limit of 265lbs while Werdum weighs around 239 lbs. Werdum has won eighteen bouts, drew one and lost five while Hunt on the other hand won ten lost eight and drew one as well.

Hunt comes from knockout win over Nelson Roy while Werdum has not fought since the unanimous decision over Travis Browne in April. The UFC bout will be in contention for the interim heavy weight title. The Ultimate Fighting Championship 180 (UFC 180) is scheduled to take place on November 15, 2014 at the Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Mexico. The event is the first to take place in Mexico and not only will the two fighters be hot contestants to the coveted interim title but also it is a match up against fighters with brains and energy. Some of the areas to watch out on the bout include:

Standing Striking
There are very few fighters in MMA who have kickboxing credentials that can match Mark Hunt’s, he also has the highest walk off knockouts. The New Zealander has dynamite in the fists and granite in the chin which gives him advantage over the opponents, Werdum on the hand will not bow lightly he has sharpened his skills over time and will pose a great threat to Hunt. Although some critics may say Hunt did not prepare sufficiently for the event, he is a professional kick boxer and the minority feel it could lead him to a victory.

Wrestling
The switch of opponents from Velasquez to Hunt has given Werdum an advantage because it may be easier for him to take the latter Hunt down with his grappling prowess. Hunt on the other hand may not be the best wrestler but his good timing, striking and substantial size will pose a threat to Werdum. Werdum will have to be patient, play it safe on his feet, and stay active enough to avoid Hunt’s punches and kicks.

Conditioning
Both Werdum and Hunt have shown that he can last more than five rounds; Werdum went five rounds in his last winning effort against Browne . However, for Hunt the conditioning could pose a threat to the title challenge because he has had a short preparation time unlike his opponent. Like Werdum, Hunt has also only been five full rounds one time in a draw against Antonio Silva last year. All these will be determined on the November 15, tune in for an entertaining bout of contrasting styles.

Quotes by Oddsmaker Joey Oddessa