This Sunday the UFC will open up a new chapter as the world's largest MMA promotion puts on its first ever event in Mexico. They've got a real doozy of a card to welcome the Mexicans to MMA's biggest stage including an interim heavyweight title fight.
The main event at UFC 180 is an intriguing matchup. Grappling master Fabricio Werdum takes on knockout artist Mark Hunt for the interim heavyweight belt and a shot to usurp king Cain Velasquez's throne.
Hunt's main strength is obvious, the Kiwi has cinder blocks for hands. At any given moment, the Super Samoan can unwind a devastating haymaker that can instantly end a fight, making him the archetypal heavyweight fighter. His last trip to the Octagon ended with a highlight reel one-punch, walk-off knockout of Roy Nelson, a man who prided himself on his iron chin. that really speaks for itself.
https://twitter.com/Fightnomics/status/532291792561913856
The Super Samoan is much more than a one-trick pony though. His kickboxing background means he's able to mix up his strikes well. Although he's not impervious to being taken down, he constantly works to get the fight back standing. More often than not, the fight rarely stays on the mat for too long when the Super Samoan is on the ground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vMq9BjqYIU
Hunt's opponent, Fabricio Werdum is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. The Brazilian submission specialist is currently on a five-fight winning streak, and outside of Junior Dos Santos, looks like the biggest threat to king Cain's belt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_mZJUeOmdM
Werdum has also added another string to his now lethal-looking bow. His striking has vastly improved in his recent bouts and although he doesn't pack quite as much power as the New Zealander, he should be able to exchange comfortably on the feet.
https://twitter.com/Fightnomics/status/531905919563489280
An exciting welterweight bout between two top contenders will provide the supporting act on the night. Undefeated wonderkid Kelvin Gastelum will square off against the heavy-handed Jake Ellenberger. This will be 23-year-old's biggest test in his relatively short career. A win in Mexico will give him a 5-0 record in the UFC and will mean he will be just one or two more away from a title shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGlnF1eA1fs
Jake Ellenberger, on the other hand, enters into this bout off back-to-back losses. That appears like an awful run until you realise they came at the hands of Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald, both of whom will be fighting for title over the coming months. While Juggernaut's job security isn't in jeopardy, he does run the risk of becoming a gatekeeper by losing to young Gastelum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqlQZqB7ids
Conor McGregor fans might want to pay close attention the big featherweight bout on the main card. Top contenders Ricardo Lamas and Dennis Bermudez will face each other inside the Octagon on Sunday. Judging by the way
Lamas has been acting in recent interviews, it looks like he might have a certain Irishman in his sights. Bermudez will be looking to extend his win-streak to seven in the UFC and stake his claim to be next in line to have a crack at Aldo's belt.
Check out our full breakdown of how the Notorious would match up against these two featherweights
here.
UFC 180 goes down from Mexico this Sunday 16 November. The main card kicks off at 3 am Irish time.
