Hunt for title shot in Tokyo clash

Both fighters in heavyweight bout suffer from the perception they’re knockout merchants only

Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson’s main-event meeting at UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan is more than just a clash of similar fighting styles. The knockout artists, who boast a renowned ability to absorb punishment, also share a similar build and often rely on their counter-striking to finish fights.

At 1.78m, the 40-year-old Hunt is the shortest man in the UFC’s heavyweight division, while the 1.83m Nelson, 38, is another competitor with a rotund frame.

They’re also the two oldest fighters on the heavyweight roster.

Four of Hunt’s past five opponents were 1.93m tall, while Dutchman Stefan Struve — the tallest man in the UFC — stood a towering 2.13m.

What this means is Hunt’s preparation for tomorrow’s five-round blockbuster at the Saitama Super Arena, near Tokyo, has been different to his previous bouts.

Against taller men, Hunt had to loiter like a predator as he let them work their range, while waiting for a chance to get inside and land his trademark left hook.

American Nelson also likes to be patient with his punches as he searches for a spot to land his favoured overhand right.

“We just need to try to adjust to that,” Hunt’s hands coach Lolo Heimuli said.

“Roy’s more accurate because Roy’s not just shorter [ than Hunt’s previous opponents], he actually stays low as well when he fires shots.”

Few men possess the punching power of Nelson (20-9), while he also has an iron chin with only one