The main event of the UFC’s stop in Auckland, New Zealand, occurred at heavyweight, where MMA legend Mark Hunt collided with streaking American contender Derrick Lewis.
As so many expected, it was a fun fight, as both men seemed content to throw heavy leather, and both had their moments as a result.
CLIPPED@MarkHunt1974 clips Lewis and he looks rocked!! #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/m7YirLKpOJ
— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2017
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Now @TheBeast_UFC lands big shots on Hunt! Back & forth fight!! #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/rxJs9NpwXk
— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2017
The Super Samoan connects again! #UFCAuckland pic.twitter.com/ISTvpqbS34
— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2017
As the bout progressed, however, Lewis began to tire badly, while Hunt leaned on a clear striking technique advantage, and began to light his foe up. From there, it was only a matter of time. At 3:51 of the fourth, the referee decided he’d seen enough, and jumped in to spare the exhausted Lewis from further harm.
TKO!
The Super Samoan @markhunt1974 finishes off @thebeast_ufc with a flurry in the third round! #UFCAuckland https://t.co/8F1K7JtNBF
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) June 11, 2017
With this win, Hunt separates himself from a knee-induced knockout loss to Alistair Overeem. The MMA legend is now 12-11-1 overall, and reestablishes himself as a heavyweight contender – despite being one of the oldest fighters on the roster.
Lewis, meanwhile, has a division-best six-fight win-streak derailed by this knockout loss. He’s now 18-5-1 overall. In his post-fight interview with Octagon-side commentator Brian Stann, the heavyweight contender mentioned a lingering back injury, and said this bout with Hunt might have been his last in the cage. When asked for clarification, he added that this fight was “most likely” his last. A surprising announcement, to say the least.
Is this the last we’ll see Derrick @thebeast_ufc Lewis in the Octagon? Lewis says this is “probably” his last fight. https://t.co/kyMTDcMrmT
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) June 11, 2017
What did you think of Mark Hunt’s KO win in Auckland? Do you think Derrick Lewis will retire?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/10/2017.