Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson: A Full Head-to-Toe Breakdown
On paper, Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson resembles a heavyweight death match between an armed nuclear warhead and The Hulk.
With chins made from an outer-space, extraterrestrial metal, Hunt and Nelson each hold the ingredients to combine for one of the best heavyweight tilts we've ever seen.
As each knockout artist comes into UFC Fight Night 52 this Saturday securely positioned within the division's top 10, the victor may very well reap the spoils. A decisive finish for Hunt or Nelson could propel either fighter close to title contention.
Here is a head-to-toe breakdown to get you ready for one of the more anticipated slugfests in recent memory.
Striking Precision
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Nelson is not Floyd Mayweather Jr. by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to a free-swinging New Zealander like Hunt, Big Country could perform like a pro boxer come Saturday.
That's not to say that Hunt doesn't possess some sort of technicality in his strikes, but Nelson is simply more structured.
Unlike his opponent, the former IFL kingpin utilizes timing more than any other heavyweight in the division. Like a lion in tall grass, Nelson will keep his right hand cocked back and ready to launch at the first sight of an opening.
Now while he will opt to wing punches like he was trying to break down a brick wall, Nelson is too patient at times to stoop to Hunt's low precision rate.
Advantage: Nelson
Punching Power
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As two of the most powerful heavyweights in UFC history, Hunt and Nelson could very well win any fight with one punch.
Their conditioning has hindered their success rate in the past, along with their one-dimensional approach on the feet. However, for the most part, they are two of the most feared strikers in the game today.
With eight finishes by knockout or TKO between them since 2011, there's really no telling who has more punching power at this point in time. If I was a betting man, I'd probably say Nelson, but it's hard to sleep on somebody as tough and resilient as Hunt.
Push
Chin
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There's probably nobody in the sport today who can finish Hunt or Nelson with one strike.
Sharing three career defeats by way of knockout or TKO, each heavyweight has displayed the tendency to eat their opponents' punches like a sponge takes on water.
The only common denominator between the two is that Nelson withstood the test of time opposite Junior Dos Santos, while Hunt fell to the former heavyweight champ by way of third-round spinning heel kick.
While that knockout remains one of the most memorable in division history, it came to fruition after Hunt was battered and bruised for 11 prior minutes.
Other than that, including Hunt's historic showing opposite Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva, there's little to separate the two as far as chins go.
Minor Advantage: Nelson
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Takedown Ability
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As crazy as it sounds for a striker like Nelson, his wrestling may in fact be the biggest factor in this fight.
The punishing knockout artist is obviously going to test the waters on the feet against a gamer like Hunt, but there's no telling for sure how long Nelson can last if the Super Samoan gets busy.
That said, Nelson has the wrestling pedigree and strong throws to fall back on, potentially providing him with the option to score points, sap Hunt's energy and implement some deadly ground-and-pound.
It's highly unlikely, but why wouldn't Nelson bring this fight to the mat if Hunt gets comfortable early?
Advantage: Nelson
Ground Game
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Hunt is not good off his back.
Having been submitted in six of his eight career losses, he leaves little hope to fend off a perfectly scripted submission attempt.
Nelson, on the other hand, has never been submitted and owns a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the infamous Renzo Gracie.
While the 38-year-old hasn't recorded a submission victory since 2006, that doesn't mean he can't pull one out if need be. Not to mention Nelson's grappling experience allows him to put opponents in precarious positions like the mounted crucifix.
Major Advantage: Nelson
Intangibles
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Nelson is often defeated by being unable to do what he does best.
As this is the case with most fighters, it's even more frustrating for a one-punch striker who usually gasses after Round 1.
Hunt also falls into this category. However, unlike Nelson, Hunt seems to get better as the fight goes on.
Chalk it up to an ability to overcome adversity and fight from behind.
Don't get it wrong, Nelson is dangerous at every turn of a fight. However, when his power is suffocated early and he's unable to find his rhythm, he often fades off into the night.
Hunt, for the most part, carries that torch on the other shoulder.
Advantage: Hunt
Verdict
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Despite his one-punch, one-dimensional approach on his feet, Nelson is simply the more well-rounded fighter.
In the clinch, against the cage, on the ground or mid-scramble, he possesses more potency than Hunt.
However, despite his foreseen ability to take Hunt down and keep him there, Nelson is a man of the people. He knows that the fans want to see a slugfest, and he knows that is his best way of impressing UFC brass.
So, it's officially time to toss everything else aside and focus strictly on the striking of both heavyweights.
Hunt is more than capable of catching Nelson late in this fight, but considering how timely and reserved Nelson is early on, it's hard to pick against him when he'll have a still target willing to exchange.
Verdict: Nelson via first-round KO
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