US UFC star Luke Rockhold tips Aussie Mark Hunt to become UFC heavyweight champion

AMERICAN UFC star Luke Rockhold is convinced Aussie underdog Mark Hunt will become the interim UFC heavyweight champion.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Mark Hunt is interviewed during the UFC Fight Night media session at SKY TV Gym on September 3, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

AMERICAN UFC star Luke Rockhold is tipping an upset in Mexico City tonight — convinced Campbelltown underdog Mark Hunt will become the interim UFC heavyweight champion.

Despite having only three weeks to prepare for the title shot against Brazilian Fabricio Werdum — which included dropping 20kg and training to fight at altitude — Rockhold believes Hunt will be victorious.

Also backing the Sydney father-of-six to complete his real-life Rocky story are adopted Aussie Hector Lombard and The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner Michael Chiesa.

Luke Rockhold during the UFC Fight Night 55 event at Allphones Arena.

The trio, all in Mexico City as UFC 180 guest fighters, backed Hunt largely on his awesome knockout power — with two tipping him to win by knockout. Here is what they told us ...

Hector Lombard: UFC #6 welterweight contender

Prediction: Mark Hunt by KO

“I think he’s a lot stronger than Werdum, more explosive and a better stand-up fighter. Mark has developed a lot. Before, his weakest place was the ground but now he’s grown as a fighter. So now his ground game is better, his wrestling is better and I believe his stand-up is better.”

Luke Rockhold: UFC #5 middleweight contender

Prediction: Mark Hunt

“I think he can get it done. It’s a different world of stand-up than Fabricio’s used to. [Werdum] has looked good in his stand-up but Hunt is another level.”

Michael Chiesa: UFC lightweight and ‘The Ultimate Fighter 15’ winner

Prediction: Mark Hunt by KO

“I predict: Second round, walk-off left hook KO. I just see that in my head. Mark does good with taller guys.”

Originally published as US UFC star Luke Rockhold tips Aussie Mark Hunt to become UFC heavyweight champion