UFC Moscow results: Aleksei Oleinik taps out Mark Hunt in the first round

Steven Muehlhausen

UFC Moscow results: Aleksei Oleinik taps out Mark Hunt in the first round image

The talk heading into the UFC Moscow headliner between Aleksei Oleinik and Mark Hunt was the latter's lawsuit against the UFC, Brock Lesnar and Dana White. Not many brought up who Hunt would see inside the Octagon.

Everyone will know now, as Oleinik defeated Hunt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:26 of the first round to notch the 47th career submission victory of his career. Oleinik now has 12 finishes by rear-naked choke.

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"I planned and I practiced submission victories in my prep," Oleinik told Dan Hardy in his post-fight interview.

Oleinik came out the aggressor, wanting to stand and trade with Hunt in mixing up his kicks and punches. But Hunt started battering Oleinik’s leg with a series of hard leg kicks. Hunt looked timid and then blasted Oleinik with a right hand which caused the bridge of Oleinik's nose to bleed.

Olenik kept trying for a takedown to no avail. With Hunt off balance from a shot, Oleinik dropped Hunt with a left hook. Once Hunt was on the mat, Oleinik didn't waste anytime in taking Hunt's back to lock in the choke. Hunt tried to get out of the hold, but ended up tapping out.

The 44-year-old Oleinik (57-11-1) has won back-to-fights and four of his last five to insert himself into title contention in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Hunt's (13-13-1) lost back-to-back tilts and three of his past four. When asked about his next step, Hunt didn't want to discuss and instead let Oleinik have his moment in the sun.

"Congrats to the victor and enjoy the journey up," Hunt told Hardy.

 

 

 

Steven Muehlhausen

Steven Muehlhausen Photo

Steven Muehlhausen is a contributing writer for DAZN News. He writes features and news stories, and provides analysis relating to the world of boxing. Over the past five years, he has interviewed some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Bill Goldberg.