‘Cigano’ next in line for the UFC heavyweight title after three-round war.
Junior dos Santos has earned another shot at the UFC heavyweight title in the wake of his stunning knockout of Mark Hunt at UFC 160.
In what was a three round way, both man landed heavy shots as the fight went largely to script of being a stand-up battle.
Dos Santos did earn takedowns during the first two rounds, before a spinning headkick clipped Hunt late in the third round, allowing the Brazilian to finish the fight with a heavy straight right to his downed opponent.
“He’s very dangerous and I have to respect him. I did my best and this time everything was right and I won,” dos Santos said of Hunt after the fight.
When asked if that was the first time he had thrown a spinning headkick in a fight, ‘Cigano’ said he felt confident and fast enough to be able to do pull it off.
As for what he wanted next, dos Santos reinforced his point he wanted another shot at the title, with UFC president Dana White granting his wish.
“That’s what I most want I want it so bad, I believe I can be the champion again and I will do my best to do that,” dos Santos said.
At the beginning of the fight, Hunt caught dos Santos with several left hooks as he came in to close the distance.
A massive overhand right by dos Santos dropped Hunt with the former champ swarming before allowing his opponent to recover.
Dos Santos looked to load up on his right hand with the Brazilian showy flashing hand speed.
Hunt survived the first round which was won by Junior, who’s quickness proved the difference as both men stood and cautiously traded before exploding when they saw an opening
The pace of the fight slowed in the second round as dos Santos stood more in front of Hunt as he continued to look for the looping right hand to land.
A more even round saw it tipped in the favor of dos Santos when he earned a takedown, with the crowd raining down boos as the two noted strikers continued the fight on the ground
In the final round, Hunt looked to try and set up big shots in the bid of scoring the comeback knockout, but the former champion used his footwork better to skip out away from being backed up into the cage.
Dos Santos worked behind the jab to get in and out and continue to score but stay away from the power shots of Hunt.
A left hook by dos Santos staggered the Kiwi but testament to his toughness he stayed on his feet.
The fight ended in spectacular fashion with a spinning head kick clipped Hunt and the former champ swarmed and finished the fight, before he jumped the cage to shake hands with boxing legend Mike Tyson in the front row.
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