Te Huna on Jimmo: "I'm going to try and hurt him"

Kiwi born Australian James Te Huna is up against a Canadian killer this weekend, but he firmly believes he can knock out the man they call "Jimmo" in the early stages of their UFC London clash.

Te Huna is riding a three fight win streak and is quickly becoming one of the very best strikers in the UFC light heavyweight division. Karate practitioner Ryan Jimmo has equally, if not better credentials than his Australian counterpart, making for a salivating match up come sunday.

Jimmo is riding an incredible 17 fight win streak and is fresh of an explosive victory over Australian grappler Anthony Perosh in July last year.

Speaking exclusively to MMA Kanvas, Te Huna explains: "He’s coming off a big victory against Anthony Perosh, seven seconds, he holds the current UFC record for the fastest knockout."

Video: Training with Te Huna

Despite the accolades of the fast rising Canadian, Te Huna plans to use his crisp and powerful striking to finish the fight as fast as possible.

"He is a very illusive fighter, he has a karate background. He doesn’t get hit that often, but I'm hoping to catch him early and put him away."

Residing in Sydney's western suburb of Penrith, Te Huna is fast becoming a favourite among Aussie fight fans. His ground game may not be at the level of some of the other 205 pounders (93 kg) but his stand up skills are well above average.

"(My plan is to) keep it on the feet. My ground game’s not too flash, but everybody already knows that. I'm just going to try and hurt him, like what he’s going to try to do to me obviously, but just try and get there first."

Te Huna has eight first round stoppage victories, so look for him to deliver on his promise and come out hard and fast. Jimmo may have the advantage on the ground, but getting Te Huna on his back is a very difficult task.

Te Huna is one of the strongest guys in the division and is likely to deliver plenty of knuckle sandwiches to the jaw of Jimmo if he works for a takedown for too long. It's a strategy that is as promising as it is dangerous. 

Photos: Te Huna's top five UFC fights

Should James get the win this sunday, look for him to compete in the Octagon on a more frequent basis in 2013. He is in his prime, injury free and hungry for an opponent that will give him a bigger name in the world's largest MMA promotion.

"Im always chasing a guy that’s ranked higher than me, I want a name and I just want to try and stay injury free and keep myself active."

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