UFC 144 Fight Card: What Has to Go Right for a Mark Hunt Victory

A lot is going to have to go Mark Hunt's way in order for him to get a victory over Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 tonight.

It's as simple as that, and the article could very well end right there. Kongo is a minus-300 favorite in this fight and rightfully so, but don't count Hunt out of this fight just yet.

This is how Hunt can write a storybook upset against Kongo tonight.

Kongo Has to Have an off Night

The first thing that has to happen for Mark Hunt to pull off this upset is that Cheick Kongo has to be off of his game.

Kongo's timing has to be off, and Hunt can't allow Kongo to ever get into a groove or it could spell for a short night for Hunt.

How does Hunt do that? Well, he's going to have to put continuous pressure on Kongo, and beware of his deadly counters. If Hunt can work this game plan to perfection, he could stump Kongo.

Hunt Has to Make It a Dog Fight

Hunt is a true fighter, and like a true fighter, he has to make this fight a dog fight.

He has to throw technical striking out of the window because Kongo is extremely technically sound and will out-kickbox Hunt.

That's why it's Hunt's duty to make this an ugly fight. Hunt needs to turn this fight into a brawl, and if he does that, a brawl will certainly favor his chances.

Kongo Has to Gas Before Hunt

Neither of these heavyweights are known for their cardio.

Mark Hunt's last fight with Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 is a perfect example of his lack of cardio, but Cheick Kongo's cardio isn't amazing either.

As you know, muscle needs oxygen, and with Kongo's physique, he needs plenty of it. If Hunt can somehow manage to get Kongo gassed before he gets gassed himself, that would certainly benefit the Samoan.

Crowd Has to Inspire Hunt

The Japanese crowd is going to have to get behind Hunt tonight for him to win.

Yes, I know it's like fighting in a library when you fight in Japan, but they can still get rowdy when Hunt does something good.

Hunt will be a crowd favorite because of how popular he was in Pride, and if the crowd can inspire him, he may have saved his biggest MMA moment yet for tonight.

A Little Luck Wouldn't Hurt

Let's not be naive, here.

Hands down, Kongo should win this fight, so Hunt is going to need some help from good ol' Lady Luck.

Kongo is starting to get into a groove at this point of his MMA career, and while Hunt has won his last two fights, I'm afraid Father Time might be passing him by.

In order for Hunt to pull off this upset, he's going to need a lucky night.