Mark Hunt vs Mirko Filipovic — Fight recap

Mark Hunt defeated Mirko Filipovic via split decision at the end of round three on December 31, 2005. Hunt landed 50 significant strikes at 35 percent accuracy, including 38 to the head, while Filipovic connected on 33 significant strikes at a superior 43 percent clip.

Neither fighter secured a knockdown or mounted any submission attempts, keeping the bout a pure striking affair. Hunt's volume output—141 total strikes compared to Filipovic's 76—proved decisive despite the Croatian's cleaner striking percentage and failed takedown attempt.

The judges awarded Hunt the nod in a split decision, though Filipovic's efficiency and technical precision kept the fight competitive throughout. Hunt's victory positioned him as a legitimate heavyweight contender in the K-1 era, while Filipovic remained a top-tier striker despite the setback.