The UFC’s going Down Under once again, as the promotion returns to Australia for the first time since UFC 193, when Ronda Rousey lost her title to Holly Holm. This time, the main event is just as big… although it’s in stature not status, as heavyweights Frank Mir and Mark Hunt face off. This is GetMoreSport’s UFC Fight Night: Australia preview.
The headliners of this event have been around.
Both grizzled veterans in mixed martial arts, the two share appearances in fifty fights over their illustrious careers. In fact, this bout will make Mir the record holder for most appearances in the UFC’s Octagon with 27 (his first being at UFC 34 in 2001).
For Hunt, 41, the appearance marks his 11th with the company, and his first since picking up a victory over Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva at UFC 193. Hunt, being from New Zealand, often appears on the UFC’s Australian events, and this is no different. Mir comes into the fight on a loss, losing to Andrei Arlovski in an uneventful affair.
Hunt and Mir are ranked at #9 and #10, respectively. In the current landscape of the UFC division, that probably makes them both about three fights from a heavyweight title shot.
As far as the fight goes, it’s an interesting match up. Mir represents a more tactical approach, with phenomenal submissions and grappling. Hunt represents a lump in human form, a brick wall that moves forwards throwing punches that force you to the ground.
The argument would be that if the fight went to the ground, Mir could easily have the advantage, but there really is a question over the mere size of Hunt’s limbs. On the feet, Mir needs to keep the range at his discretion. If he gets into the range of Hunt’s punches, Mir has shown he can be knocked out.
In the co-main event, we see a returning Hector Lombard meet Neil Magny. The controversial Lombard has been absent since failing a drug test for anabolic steroids, following his bout with Josh Burkman at UFC 182. He has since served a one year suspension, and now makes his comeback in his preferred area of Australia.
We last saw Magny in November of last year, when he defeated Kelvin Gastelum via split decision. Should Magny defeat Lombard, it would mark a decent run of form that could begin him on a path towards the Welterweight title.
The fight has the potential to be a great scrap, with Magny having a variety of attacks that could trouble the slower, stockier Lombard. Should Lombard get in clinch range however, he’ll have an opportunity to show off his tremendous Judo skills.
Look for Magny to stick and move, while Lombard attempts to use his strength and athletic ability.
Elsewhere on the card, keep an eye out for James Te Huna. Another New Zealander, Te Huna once appeared to be a prospect at Light Heavyweight, but currently rides a loss streak of three. Losing three in a row usually spells bad news in the UFC. Should Te Huna lose to his opponent, Steve Bosse, then it’ll likely be his last appearance for the promotion.
Also making an appearance is Rin Nakai. The Women’s Bantamweight represents one of the more interesting characters in her division. An entertainer as much as a fighter, Nakai shies not away from her sexuality, often appearing scantily clad in magazines.
Since arriving in the UFC, Nakai has only appeared once, back in 2014. That bout ended in a loss for that Japanese star, although against Miesha Tate, the new champion, that’s not something to be ashamed of.
Nakai lack of activity could prove problematic, but should the 29 year old best Leslie Smith, she could yet turn out to be one of the UFC’s quieter stars.
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