Rothwell (31-7) last fought at UFC 115 in June 2010, beating Gilbert Yvel via unanimous decision. Hunt (6-7) won his first fight in nearly five years in February by knocking out Chris Tuchscherer at UFC 127.
Round 1: Rothwell paws his way forward with the jab and Hunt responds with a big hook to remind him of his power. Rothwell must have gotten the message, because he shoots for a takedown on Hunt, who slips easily away like a skilled matador. Big hook by Hunt thumps off Rothwell's skull. Hunt fires off a couple more left hooks as Rothwell continues forward, and one of them makes Rothwell's legs betray a slight wobble. His forehead is bright red already, but he's still coming. Rothwell times one of the hooks well and drops under for a double-leg, going right to mount. Hunt is active off his back, however, and Rothwell can't keep him down for long. Rothwell keeps looking for that takedown, but Hunt defends well and even manages to flip him over to his back before Rothwell rises up clinging to Hunt's shorts. Hunt looks over at referee Adam Martinez, who doesn't seem inclined to do much about it. Rothwell is cut around his right eye and looking weary, but he manages one more takedown and ends the round on top of Hunt. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Hunt.
Round 2: Hunt lunges in with that left hook and backs Rothwell up. Leg kick by Hunt bends Rothwell at the knee. Moments later he does it again. Rothwell tries to get in close and nearly gets decapitated by a Hunt uppercut that just misses. Rothwell backs him against the fence, but it's Hunt who gets the takedown and batters Rothwell's face with hammer fists from the top. Hunt's corner is encouraging him to stand back up, but he's having success out of Rothwell's guard at the moment, so he's content to stay there. Rothwell tries to climb his legs up for an armbar or triangle, but Hunt hammers him with a right and moves to side control. Rothwell is gushing blood now, and he rolls away from the fence, giving Hunt his back. Hunt steps over for an armbar with less than 20 seconds left, and he may get it. Rothwell looks bloodied and battered, but he holds on until the horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-8 for Hunt.
Round 3: They took a long look at Rothwell's cut before starting the third. He managed to shoo them away, but he's so tired he can barely stand. Hunt senses the finish and goes right after him to start the final frame. Rothwell shoots for a desperate takedown attempt and misses. Hunt nails him with a bomb as he's getting back up, and Rothwell is wobbling all over the place. He keeps looking for that takedown, but in the process finds himself on his back. After a referree stand-up there's only more punishment and more failed takedowns for the weary Rothwell. Hunt almost turns his back, as if he doesn't even want to hit him anymore. Rothwell staggers forward and spits a little blood out of his mouth. Hunt drops for a double-leg and gets it. Hunt is pounding on Rothwell from side control, but for some reason referee Adam Martinez stands them up. That's a no-no, Mr. Martinez, even if the crowd likes it. Hunt nails Rothwell with an uppercut and head kick after the restart, but the big man is still standing with 30 seconds left. Hunt shoots for a takedown that's unpopular with a crowd that would rather seem him continue to headhunt. Rothwell defends and even moves to mount before the horn sounds, but it's all much too late. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8 for Hunt.
Mark Hunt def. Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson def. Aaron Riley via first-round TKO (broken jaw) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley suffers a broken jaw at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Aaron Riley tries to counter Tony Ferguson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tony Ferguson cracks the jaw of Aaron Riley with an uppercut at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch def. Nick Ring via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch raises his arms at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch tries a shoulderlock on Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Tim Boetsch attacks the arm of Nick Ring at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Junior Assuncao ground and pounds Eddie Yagin at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin lands a left hand on Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Eddie Yagin connects on a right hand at Junior Assuncao at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki def. Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki celebrates his win over Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki beats Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki punches Cole Escovedo at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Cole Escovedo kicks Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Takeya Mizugaki crushes Cole Escovedo with a left hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna def. Ricardo Romero via KO (punches) at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
James Te Huna knocks down Ricardo Romero at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
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UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz makes impact with a punch on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz slaps on a triangle choke on Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Nate Diaz punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne knees Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne climbs on top of Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Travis Browne punches Rob Broughton at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell walks to the back after his loss to Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt defeats Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt takes a breather after a three-round fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt looks to ground and pound Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt attempts an armbar on Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt goes behind Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Mark Hunt kicks Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell mounts Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Ben Rothwell collides with Mark Hunt at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck defeats Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
The referee attends to Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck celebrates his win over Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck shakes UFC matchmaker Joe Silva's hand at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck knocks out Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes tries to grab Josh Koscheck at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Josh Koscheck punches Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck are ready to fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Rashad Evans talks about being the next challenger for Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones retains his UFC light heavyweight title against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones relaxes after his win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones embraces Quinton "Rampage" Jackson after their fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones beats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones submits Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson takes a breather after the third round at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones fires punches at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones lands a front kick to the face of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a punch at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at the ribs of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones throws a kick to the body of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson throws a punch at Jon Jones at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones receives corner advice for his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones kicks Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones crawls in the early moments of his fight against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the face at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 135 Photos
Jon Jones and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson receive final instructions before their title fight at UFC 135 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo.