2014-06-15
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Justin Hunter - Rising to the Challenge

Fighter profile of Justin Hunter by David Morrison

It took just 22 seconds for Justin Hunter to close out Wolfpack Fighting Championship’s final event, WPFC-3 McNulty vs. Hunter. The Los Angeles based promotion pitted two undefeated fighters against each other in the main event as Hunter (3-0) faced off against Mac “The Mouth” McNulty (5-1) for the lightweight title in a bout that promised fireworks. McNulty had pounded out 4 of his 5 opponents en route to the title and was heavily favored as his superior Jiu Jitsu and ground and pound skills posed several problems for Hunter.

“I worked very hard on my takedown defense for this one,” Hunter said during the post-fight interview, “as I didn’t want to end up on my back with McNulty on top of me. I focused on strength training in order to make my shots count. I knew that if I could stay on my feet and connect, I would take home the belt.” It was a training strategy that paid off in a big way. As the opening bell sounded, the two met in the center of the cage where Hunter landed a left followed by a stiff jab that got the attention of McNulty. “I went a little bit wild after I saw his eyes roll back from that first jab,” Hunter said, “and I threw a series of wild power shots hoping to end it right there.”

McNulty, who reportedly had been working on his boxing skills in preparation for Hunter, narrowly dodged the flurry and shot in for a takedown. Hunter was able to circle away and pop McNulty with another powerful jab, which McNulty acknowledged with a nodding of the head. “McNulty is known to talk a lot of trash inside and outside of the cage,” Hunter commented, “and get inside the head of his opponents. I took a page from Weidman’s strategy against Silva. The plan was to unload on him if he began to clown in any way.” Hunter didn’t hesitate in throwing another hard jab, followed by a double jab, all connecting squarely on McNulty’s chin, setting up a brutal uppercut that sent McNulty to the mat with blood dripping from his mouth. “I think that I broke his jaw with that uppercut,” Hunter commented, “and I know that I broke my hand.” It was later confirmed that Hunter did break his hand and will need to a few days to heal. McNulty’s jaw seemed to be fine as “The Mouth” had much to say after regaining consciousness. McNulty blasted a serious of profanities at the new champ while claiming that the referee had made an early stoppage and that the judges were incompetent.

McNulty said, “I didn’t tap,” and accused Hunter of having weak kicks. It was obvious that the former champ was still woozy from the huge uppercut and was not aware of what had just taken place. Hunter responded to McNulty’s comments with a sly smile and said, “I saw his head tap twice when it hit the mat.” The title fight was the managerial debut of David Morrison who signed Hunter from free agency. “My manager is the only one who believed in me and would give me a chance,” Hunter said. “I really wanted to prove myself worthy to be in here with the champ.”

When asked what was next now that Wolfpack was closing, Hunter commented, “My manager is in negotiations with Insanity. It is a solid organization for 220+ fighters, and I’m looking forward to making an impact there.” Originally from Londonderry, Ireland, Hunter moved to Atlanta as a teenager where he quickly rose in the amateur rankings. Hunter then moved to Las Vegas where he won his pro debut via unanimous decision before relocating to Los Angeles to fight for Wolfpack. After two impressive finishes, Hunter appears ready to step up in competition. “The fighters in Insanity are very talented, but I’m ready for them.” At just 21 years of age, and with a title already under his belt, look for Hunter to begin climbing the world rankings at 155 as he continues to improve and seeks to fight the world’s best.

 

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