Stipe Miocic: ‘I Have Better Stand-Up’ Than Mark Hunt
Two top five-ranked heavyweights headline Saturday's (Sunday local time) UFC Fight Night 65: Miocic vs. Hunt at Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Australia. Fourth-ranked Stipe Miocic (12-2) takes on fifth-ranked Mark Hunt (10-9-1) in the fight card’s featured attraction, and the bout carries title contender implications.
Eight of Miocic’s twelve wins are by knockout, while seven of Hunt’s victories are by knockout. Hunt, a former kickboxing world champion, is known for his ability to end a fight with one shot, but Miocic isn’t worried about his opponent’s punching power.
“I think everyone has knockout power,” Miocic recently told Submission Radio. “I mean, it’s the heavyweight division. Everyone has 4-ounce gloves on, and they're big boys and they can throw hard. I mean JDS (Junior dos Santos) has knockout power and walk away power. I’m gonna do my game plan and be fine with it.”
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Miocic is coming off a decision loss to the former champion, dos Santos, but going the distance with the Brazilian gave him confidence in his ability to compete against the highest level of competition in the heavyweight division.
Heading into tonight’s bout with Hunt, the 32-year-old believes he has advantages in several areas.
“I think stand-up, on the ground, conditioning. Doesn’t matter. Against the cage, clinch work against the fence, “ Miocic said when asked what advantages he has over the “Super Samoan.”
“Definitely my speed, my foot skills, my wrestling; all that. I have better stand-up,” added Miocic.
UFC Fight Night 65: Miocic vs. Hunt airs live on UFC Fight Pass and takes place locally on Sunday in Australia, which means it airs on Saturday in the U.S.
