Big Foot Silva and Mark Hunt fought to a majority draw on UFC Fight Night in Australia in what will go down as one of the most memorable heavyweight fights of all time.
The two traded shots all night yet they somehow made it through all five rounds. That was a major shock — based on their knockout power, everyone thought there was no way the fight could go the distance.
Silva hurt Hunt with leg kicks and some punishing ground and pound that was reminiscent of what he did do Fedor Emelianenko. Silva was so gassed from delivering all that punishment, and Hunt was so sapped from receiving all the punches and elbows, the two barely had any energy left for the final round. Yet they showed tremendous heart and dedication by standing for the final round and bloodying each other the entire time.
As soon as the long five minutes finally came to an end, the two embraced in a show of amazing sportsmanship. They held up each other’s arms, fully recognizing that they had just combined for an epic battle.
Though one judge ruled it in favor of Hunt by a point, the two others scored it a draw, meaning the final outcome was a majority draw. After the announcement, the two once again embraced, and Silva showed love for his opponent one more team with a kiss and affectionate hugs.
Everyone absolutely loved the fight. UFC boss Dana White said he was giving both fighters “Fight of the Night” and win bonuses for the epic performance.
Both Hunt and Silva win FON and both get their win bonus and I might buy them both their own private ISLANDS!!!! Sickest HW fight ever!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 7, 2013
I agree that I have NEVER been so happy with a draw in my life! I am happy it was a draw. Winner of that fight is US the fans!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 7, 2013
Heavyweight Daniel Cormier tweeted his respect for the show the two put on:
@BigfootSilva and @markhunt1974 u guys are awesome. Wow guys! I have no idea why I'm laughing I think u guys have made me happy DC
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) December 7, 2013
Maybe some people felt that Hunt deserved a win, especially after arguably getting a 10-8 run in the fifth, but it’s hard to argue with the draw. That seemed like the most fair outcome for such a great fight.
You can watch video highlights below:
