Kiwi heavyweight Mark Hunt has fallen to Russia's Aleksei Oleinik via first-round submission in their main event clash at the UFC Fight Night in Moscow.
The "Super Samoan" made an encouraging start to the bout as he imposed himself with some heavy leg kicks that had Oleinik clearly hurting early.
But Oleinik, a ground specialist, endured the Kiwi's opening salvo - which included one devastating over-hand right which would've sent most fighters directly to the canvas – to land a right-hand of his own and buckle Hunt's legs.
Sensing his opportunity, "The Boa Constrictor" pounced for the critical takedown and quickly transitioned to Hunt's back before sinking in the rear-naked choke and earning an immediate tap.
Hunt becomes the 47th submission victim for the 41-year-old Oleinik, who spoke openly throughout the pre-fight build up that the Kiwi's "big and fat" neck would make it "almost impossible" for him to add to that tally.
The win sees the 14th-ranked Oleinik improve his jaw-dropping professional record to 57-11-1.
It's a second-straight defeat for Hunt (30-13) after his loss to Curtis Blaydes in February, and will likely see him drop out of the division's top 10.
The 44-year-old only has one fight left on his current contract with the UFC, but hasn't yet ruled out pursuing another deal.
Newshub.
