The UFC’s foray into Australia this past Saturday was one of those cards that remind you that you don’t need a star-studded card to put on a great show. There were a gutsy battles, thrilling comebacks, big upsets and the oh-so-cool walkoff knockout that has become Mark Hunt’s signature move.
HUNT NOTCHES SECOND STRAIGHT KO
Frank Mir +160
Mark Hunt -185
Honestly there might not be a cooler finish than Mark Hunt’s signature one-hitter walkoff. This time, Mir was the latest addition to the Super Samoan’s highlight reel as he was cracked by nuclear right hand that laid him out. Hunt came through as a nearly 2-to-1 favorite, and the fight played out largely to expectations. Mir tried to take the New Zealander down, failed, and got his bell rung.
MAGNY-FICENT COMEBACK
Hector Lombard -135
Neil Magny +115
I’d been preaching all week that Magny’s cardio would be the difference-maker, and Lombard proved me right. However, in no way did I expect Magny to survive a nearly three-minute thrashing in the first round that was nearly stopped by referee Troy Percival. Lombard reminded everybody of his ridiculous power and blasted an elite heavyweight for a 10-8 first round. But his ugly cardio problem reared its head once again and Magny was able to tag an exhausted Lombard from range.
Magny nearly finished the fight in the second, gaining full back mount and raining punches on a desperate Lombard. Although the Cuban made it to the third, he was quickly taken down and pounded out in the beginning of the third.
MATTHEWS HAS A MOMENT
Johnny Case -110
Jake Matthews -110
The 21-year old Jake Matthews beat a dangerous Johnny Case, slapping a rear-naked choke in the third after gritty affair. While Matthews fights in a loaded lightweight division, his prodigious physical gifts and quickly-improving skillset makes him a fighter of interest. Another win against a good veteran or blue chip prospect should earn him a shot a top-15 guy.
KELLY GUTS OUT A HUGE UPSET FOR AUSTRALIAN FANS
Daniel Kelly +408
Antonio Carlos Jr. -511
It was hard to see a 38-year old Kelly beating the 26-year old Antonio Carlos, especially when the two stepped into the ring. Carlos stepped into the cage looking shredded and massive, with ridiculous athleticism. Native Australian Daniel Kelly looks like a guy that hits the gym a few times a week after a long day as a mid-level manager.
For one round, Carlos showed why he was such a massive favorite as he pulled Kelly into his web of elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu skilled as attempted a plethora of sub attempts while latched onto the Australian’s back. But Kelly started turning the tide in the second round, and in the start of the third he blitzed the younger fighter with vicious ground and pound to earn the stoppage - much to the delight of the crowd.
GET READY FOR THE NEXT CARD
Head on over to the sportsbook and preview our current bets. Next up for the promotion is UFC Fight Night 86 in Croatia, headlined by heavyweight contender bout between Ben Rothwell and Junior dos Santos.
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC Fight Night 86 takes place on April 10, 2016 at the Zagreb Arena in Zagreb, Croatia. The card will be televised on Fox Sports 1 starting 2 p.m. ET
