UFC 209: Alistair Overeem V Mark Hunt Preview : A big-punching heavyweight battle

Last Updated : 24th February, 2017 By Alex M

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UFC 209 looks set to be one of the best cards in recent memory from a pure fighting perspective. That sounds strange to say considering you would expect that to be a pre-requisite for such an event, but as the UFC has grown, a trend toward selling their pay-per-views off the back of their biggest names has caught fire. However, when Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt lock it up in Las Vegas, be prepared for a war.

Odds of 18/1 are available with Bet365 for Alistar Overeem to win in round three

Hunt Vs UFC

The interesting thing about Hunt's inclusion in this card is the fact that he is currently taking the UFC to court over how his bout with Brock Lesnar played out. Specifically, the amount of money he received in light of the fact that Lesnar failed not one, but two drugs tests. Still, the powers that be have given him a big fight with fellow heavyweight Alistair Overeem and one has to wonder what Hunt will be like in his pre-fight interviews, particularly, towards the UFC. The 42-year-old has never been an elite athlete or a competitor who prides themselves on his conditioning, but he does have, arguably, the strongest one-punch knockout power in the heavyweight division. If he catches you flush, it's over. But, can he work the appropriate openings against Overeem to make his power count?

Get odds of 6/5 with Ladbrokes for a Mark Hunt win (£30 free bet)

The Demolition Man

The English-born Dutch fighter is the polar opposite of Hunt. He has an intimidating, ripped physique and prides himself on his conditioning. He also absolutely towers over his New Zealand adversary by a good five inches and naturally, has the reach advantage. His last fight was a UFC heavyweight title match against champion Stipe Miocic where he was knocked out towards the end of the first round. He did put Miocic down in the early going, but failed to make that count. However, after a rocky start to his UFC career where he had three losses in his opening five fights, Overeem then won four on the bounce to catapult himself to title contention. The longer the fight goes, the better it will be for The Reem and his gameplan will certainly feature a late finish, which he is more than capable of.

Current odds for Alistair Overeem to win via KO, TKO or DQ are 13/10 with Bet365

FREEbets.org.uk Prediction

With any Mark Hunt fight, it can be over at a moments notice and the likes of Stefan Struve and Frank Mir can tell you that. Still, can he get to Overeem? We know that The Demolition Man can be stopped and all four of his losses in the UFC have come via a KO punch. That would suggest just one hit from Hunt could do it, but surely he will be smarter than to trade with the veteran. A deep win for a patient Overeem awaits.

Best odds for Alistair Overeem to win are 8/11 with Paddy Power (£30 free bet)