Alexey Oleynik and Mark Hunt squared off in the UFC Fight Night 136 headliner on Saturday in Moscow, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship touched down in Russia for the first time. The heavyweights brought contrasting styles to their encounter, Hunt as a world-class kickboxer and Oleynik as a sublime grappler. It made for a quick but unforgettable main event.
The match began with Oleynik wading forward, looking to tie up the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix winner and drag him to the mat. Hunt did well to stick to the outside and land hard, thunderous leg kicks that had Oleynik’s leg swollen and discolored but the middle of the first round, the submission specialist beginning to hobble.