Russian ‘Boa Constrictor’ puts big squeeze on Hunt

Billed as a five-round bout, UFC fans worldwide knew not to expect 25 minutes of action when Mark Hunt met Aleksei Oleinik at UFC Moscow.

With knockout master Hunt and submission guru Oleinik squaring off as the headline fight at the first UFC event in Russia, all signs pointed towards an early finish and Oleinik obliged — submitting Hunt with under a minute left in the first round.

Heading into the penultimate fight of his UFC contract, Hunt knew if the fight went to the ground, he’d be in trouble. Of Oleinik’s 56 career wins before the fight, 46 had come by way of submission, earning him the nickname the “Boa Constrictor”.

Hunt worked his game plan perfectly early on. Oleinik had the height and reach advantage but needed to get in closer to take him down to the mat. The Russian was hesitant to get in too close and Hunt kept him at bay with some damaging leg kicks.

The Kiwi landed the first heavy shot of the bout, rocking Oleinik with a strong overhand with his right fist. His speed was paying dividends through the first three minutes and the low kicks caused a welt to swell up on Oleinik’s leg.

However, when Oleinik landed a few good shots after Hunt thwarted a takedown attempt, he backed the Kiwi up against the cage, saw his opportunity to take it to the mat and did not miss.

Hunt very nearly kept the fight standing, stepping out of the takedown attempt, but Oleinik clung to his left leg, dragging him to the mat and forcing him to tap out with 34 seconds left in the round with a rear naked choke.

Hunt had fought off three attempted takedowns but Oleinik made the most of his one opportunity. The win was his 12th via rear naked choke.

“I got caught,” Hunt said. “Congratulations to Aleksei and enjoy the rest of the journey up.”