Frank Mir has faced many of the hardest-hitting UFC heavyweights of all time. But when it comes to the one that blasted him with the most powerful strike, the answer may surprise.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir is deserving of induction into the company’s Hall-of-Fame. He won the division’s top title in his early 20s. Battled back from a near-career-ending motorcycle accident in the years following. And then would go on to become an interim champion four years later.
Also Read: UFC tonight – Fight card, start time and channel for Saturday’s UFC card
However, beyond his amazing return to prominence after a major life setback, Mir has an impressive resume as a fighter. While he suffered some tough losses during a distinguished career, he has many monumental wins and fought all of the best heavyweights of his era.
Frank Mir record: 19-13 (5 knockouts, 9 submissions)
Frank Mir says 2014 knee from Alistair Overeem was ‘life-altering’
Scary fighters and legends of the division like Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Filipovic, Junior dos Santos, and Daniel Cormier. That is why during a recent conversation with Give Me Sport he was asked who was the hardest hitter he ever faced. And the answer may not be what many long-time MMA fans would have guessed based on his resume.
“As far as punching power, I’ve fought everyone from dos Santos; Alistair Overeem’s knee to the head was pretty life-altering,” Mir recalled. “He knee’d me to the head early in the first round [of their fight in 2014]. I remember that was jarring, it felt like I got hit by a car.”
Frank Mir faced absurdly strong men like Lesnar and Carwin, and gifted standup finishers like dos Santos and Hunt. Overeem might not be the first guest for fans, especially since the two went to a decision in their UFC 169 fight. But the Dutch kickboxer has always been known for his nasty strikes, including his knees.
“Demolition Man” finished his record with a 47-19 record and 25 knockouts. He earned a UFC title opportunity versus Stipe Miocic in 2016.
Also Read: UFC rankings – Latest rankings at heavyweight, lightweight and more
