Pros Pick: Werdum vs. Hunt

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Mark Hunt stands one win away from wearing Ultimate Fighting Championship gold. The improbability factor is off the charts.

Hunt will battle Fabricio Werdum for the interim UFC heavyweight championship in the UFC 180 “Werdum vs. Hunt” main event on Saturday at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. A knee injury to reigning champion Cain Velasquez, who has not fought since October 2013, created the need for a placeholder title.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 180 headliner:

Javier Vazquez: Everyone loves Hunt’s story, but he has a tall task with Werdum. If the fight hits the ground, it should be over quickly. If Werdum wants to test his standup, I would recommend against it against Hunt. He is very durable and hits very hard. The safe bet is to take Hunt down, which could prove to be challenging, as his takedown defense has gotten better. I have confidence that Werdum will eventually get the fight to the ground and submit Hunt with an armbar in the first round.

Tony Martin: I would not be shocked if Hunt KO’d Werdum in the first round, but I will go with “Vai Cavalo” with the first-round submission. Werdum is very crafty and is one takedown away from winning this fight.

Anthony Lapsley: Hunt is doing his thing, but Werdum is on a tear and should run through him.

Wilson Reis: I have Fabricio by submission. Though he has good striking, I believe he will try to take down Hunt to avoid power punches and finish with submission in the third round.

Beneil Dariush: Werdum wins. He is better everywhere and the next heavyweight champion.

James Vick: Werdum wins by submission.

Cody Gibson: Werdum has looked better and better each time out since rejoining the UFC ranks. I honestly thought he stood the best chance against Cain. With Cain now out, in steps Hunt. I love Hunt. I think we all do. His resurgent career has been nothing short of spectacular, but Mark is known to enjoy a cheeseburger or two in between fights. The weight cut, short notice and the skills of Werdum will be too much for him. Werdum wins by submission.

Joe Duarte: I want to go with my island brother, Hunt, but I feel like Werdum will get him down and grind him into a submission. I hope Hunt can get the early stoppage.

Eric Prindle: Hunt wins via first-round TKO.

Michael Guymon: Fabricio takes this by submission any way he wants.

Gabe Ruediger: I’m going out on a limb and say Nam Phan will pick Hunt, which makes my pick of Werdum that much stronger. I think the late notice and elevation in Mexico City will add to Hunt’s uphill battle. Werdum has very improved striking and obviously very good Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Hunt could win if Werdum gets into hard striking exchanges, and it would be an amazing Cinderella story, but I don’t see it happening.

Nam Phan: I have to root for “The Super Samoan.” Hunt wins.

Mike Ciesnolevicz: I think the smart money is on Werdum. His muay Thai skills have really improved the past few years to compliment his world-class ground game. I’m pretty sure Werdum submits Hunt within the first two rounds. That being said, I am 100 percent cheering for Hunt to win this fight. How can you not like that guy? He has to avoid takedowns and get Werdum into some punching exchanges on the feet to do what he does best.

Benji Radach: Hunt wins by KO. I’m a fan of the sluggers.

Keith Berry: How can you not root for Hunt? I take Hunt by third-round TKO.

Chris Clements: I’m thinking Werdum wins by submission. He’s too smart to stand with Hunt, and sooner or later he’ll get the takedown, wear Hunt out and get a third-round submission.

J.J. Ambrose: Mad respect for Werdum and his stellar BJJ and standup, but I’m going with Hunt via Cinderella-man KO. Long live the underdog king.

Mitch Clarke: I love Hunt, but I have to go with Werdum. If Hunt wins, it will be that Cinderella Man story, but unfortunately I have to pick Werdum by triangle.

Igor Araujo: Werdum wins by submission in round three.

Jeff Hougland: I want Hunt to win via another walk-off KO. It’s hard not to like Hunt. He’s such a badass, but my logic has to have me pick Werdum. I just think he has more ways to win, so I’ll go with Werdum by third-round submission.

Kyle Kingsbury: I’m pulling for Hunt, but Werdum has been on a great run. Werdum wins via decision by outstriking Hunt.

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THE FINAL TALLY

Pros Picking Werdum: 16
Pros Picking Hunt: 5