Report: Mark Hunt Set to Replace Fabricio Werdum Against Alexey Oleynik at UFC Moscow

Aleksei Oleinik vs. Mark Hunt is in the works for the UFC’s debut event in Moscow, I’m told. UFC forced to move on after Fabricio Werdum was provisionally suspended by USADA this week. The heavyweight fight, which is scheduled to be the main event, is close to being finalized.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 24, 2018

Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight Mark Hunt is set to face Alexey Oleynik in the UFC’s first visit to Moscow on Sept. 15. Oleynik was originally scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, who has been removed from the bout after he was flagged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Policy (USADA).

The bout was rumored to be in the works after the Werdum was flagged, although now it’s been finalized according to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani via Twitter.

The 40 year-old Oleynik (56-11-1) is coming off a victory against Junior Albini at UFC 224 earlier this month and has gone 3-1 in his last four outings. “The Boa Constrictor” earned his name for his devastating ground game and has an astounding 44 submissions in his professional MMA career, including 12 by Ezekiel choke. Oleynik has notable wins against Travis Browne and Mirko Filipovic.

Hunt (13-12-1, 1 NC) has fought a who’s who of heavyweights in the past, with notable wins against Derrick Lewis, Frank Mir, Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson. He last fought surging heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes at UFC 221 in Perth, Australia, back in February, which ended with Blaydes outworking Hunt to win by a unanimous decision victory.