UFC: Mark Hunt falls to Aleksei Oleinik by submission at UFC Moscow

Billed as a five-round bout, UFC fans worldwide knew not to expect 25 minutes of action when Mark Hunt met Aleksei Oleinik at UFC Moscow.

With Hunt, a knockout master, and submission guru Oleinik squaring off as the headline fight at the first ever UFC event in Russia, all signs pointed toward an early finish and Oleinik obliged - submitting Hunt with under a minute remaining in the first round.

Heading into the penultimate fight of his UFC contract, Hunt knew if the fight went to the ground he'd be in trouble. Of Oleinik's 56 career wins before the fight, 46 had come by way of submission earning him the nickname 'the Boa Constrictor'.

In the early going, Hunt was working his game plan perfectly. Oleinik had the height and reach advantage, but needed to get in closer to take Hunt to the mat. The Russian was hesitant to get in too close to Hunt early, and the Kiwi was keeping him at bay with some damaging leg kicks.

The Kiwi landed the first heavy shot of the bout, rocking Oleinik with a strong overhand with his right fist. His speed was paying dividends through the first three minutes, and the low kicks were causing a welt to swell up on Oleinik's leg.

Mark Hunt landed some heavy shots against Aleksei Oleinik. Photo / Getty Images

However, when Oleinik landed a few good shots of his own after Hunt thwarted a takedown attempt, he was able to back the Kiwi up against the cage. From their 'the Boa Constrictor' saw his opportunity to take it to the mat and did not miss.

Hunt very nearly kept the fight standing, stepping out of the takedown attempt, but Oleinik clung to his left leg and stayed glued to Hunt, dragging him to the mat and forcing Hunt to tap out with 34 seconds remaining in the round with a rear naked choke.

While Hunt was able to fight off three attempted takedowns, Oleinik eventually got what he needed and made the most of his one opportunity.

The win was Oleinik's 12th via rear naked choke.

"I got caught," Hunt said after the fight. "Congratulations to Aleksei and enjoy the rest of the journey up."