Gary A. Vasquez USA TODAY Sports
Two highly-regarded UFC heavyweights coming off losses will be looking to steady their respective careers at Fight Night 33 in Brisbane. The stakes are high for both Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva entering this contest, as both can’t afford another setback at this stage of their careers.
Hunt was stopped for the first time in his UFC career by Junior dos Santos in their title eliminator at UFC 160. The iron-jawed Hunt was finished in the third and final round by a spinning heel kick to the head. Despite the loss, the contest earned Hunt a bonus for Fight of the Night.
Silva also experienced disappointment on that same card in Las Vegas as he was stopped in the first round by champion Cain Velasquez in their title bout. It was the second time that “Bigfoot” had been demolished by Velasquez in the opening stanza.
Hunt has showcased plenty of power in compiling a 9-8 career record. He has six knockouts to his credit and has received a pair of Knockout of the Night bonuses, including a memorable destruction of the towering Stefan Struve. The longtime K-1 performer has incredible striking, but isn’t comfortable on the ground. He’s been submitted on six occasions during his career.
Silva is dangerous as well with 13 knockouts in 18 career victories. He has notable triumphs against Alistair Overeem and Travis Browne during his Octagon career. Silva is proud of his jiu-jitsu skills and does have three submission finishes to his credit. That might be an area for “Bigfoot” to explore if he can get Hunt to the ground. A stand and trade contest would seem to favor “The Super Samoan”.
This one should deliver fireworks as both men are badly in need of a victory, and both competitors have shown the ability to finish their opposition. Hunt is trying to work his way into the top-10 rankings while Silva is looking to solidify his no. 4 standing in the promotion.
Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports
