Stipe Miocic absolutely manhandled Mark Hunt this past weekend (Sat., May 9, 2015) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 65 in Adelaide, Australia, earning a fifth round (technical) knockout victory over the "Super Samoan."
The fight was completely one-sided, as Miocic set a UFC record by landing 361 strikes on the former K-1 champion, mangling his face in the process.
If you missed the beating, check out the highlights here.
The fight caused an uproar in the mixed martial arts (MMA) community, as fight fans and pundits alike wanted to see the referee stop the bout earlier, or Hunt's cornerman throw in the towel to save their aging fighter.
Speaking with Submission Radio, Miocic explained just how tough Hunt is, and how he would never allow his corner to surrender for him.
His words:
"Oh he's a tough guy, you know what I mean. He's a tough guy, but I had to keep working and get that W. I mean he's got a good chin like everyone says and he does have a good chin. My hands feel it and my hands are sore, but like I said, I needed to keep pushing the pressure and keep hitting him until the ref stepped in.
"You know what? Not my decision [to stop the fight]. Mark's like one of the most durable guys, he's got a great chin, you know and that's what the ref probably thought too, and I remember one time he did say "I'm fine". He said literally "I was fine" in the middle of the fight.
I would never let [my corner] throw in the towel."
The fight was certainly one of the most difficult to watch in the last several years, but the loss didn't break Hunt's spirit. The "Super Samoan" confirmed he would return to the Octagon, even with fresh bruises still on his face.
As for Miocic, the Cleveland native wants a crack at UFC gold.
With Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum set to unify the heavyweight title at UFC 188, the No. 4 ranked heavyweight may find himself fighting the winner in just a few short months.
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