Harry Hunsucker is one of the newest additions to the UFC roster, and this UFC Heavyweight has been given a heavy task. Saturday was the first opportunity for Hunsucker to get a full camp for a UFC fight, but he was still at a disadvantage.
Contender Series
We have to go back to November 4, 2020. Harry Hunsucker received his first chance to fight in front of UFC boss Dana White. Jared Vanderaa‘s scheduled opponent, Oscar Cota, withdrew from the upcoming Contender Series fight, and on short notice, Hunsucker stepped up. Harry had fought three weeks prior and was not actively preparing for a fight. Vanderaa won the fight in the first round, but Hunsucker won the approval of Dana White. Four months later, White would reach out to Harry again.
UFC Debut
Jump ahead to March 20, 2021. Don’Tale Mayes was not medically cleared for his fight with Tai Tuivasa and left Bam Bam without a dance partner. The UFC called Harry Hunsucker to see if he would fight on just a few days’ notice. Hunsucker immediately said yes. Tuivasa won by TKO in round one, but Hunsucker again won the approval of the UFC by his willingness to step up on short notice.
First Legit Opportunity?
That brings us to December 18, 2021, UFC Fight Night. Hunsucker earned his chance at a full fight camp but the UFC Heavyweight was still handed a heavy task, literally. Harry’s opponent, Justin Tafa, made UFC history by becoming the first Heavyweight to miss weight. So even with a full fight camp, Harry was at a disadvantage. Tafa caught Hunsucker early and got the TKO early in the first round.
Final Thoughts
Harry Hunsucker fights always end early, win or lose. The question that now remains is how many chances will Harry Hunsucker get in the UFC? In all three of his UFC level fights his opponents have outweighed him by 20-30 pounds. Harry says he will fight anyone, I just hope that he gets a shot at someone closer to his, gets a full fight camp, and has an opponent that makes weight.
You can hear my most recent interview with Harry Hunsucker on the Sports Stove Podcast here. He discussed his preparation for the Tafa fight.
Follow me on Twitter and Belly Up Sports for more sports content.
