Mark Hunt, a heavyweight veteran’s last chance at fighting for UFC gold again seem slim to none after he was beaten by Curtis Blaydes at UFC 221 in Perth.
Mark Hunt, who the UFC pulled from a fight back in 2017 due to health concerns, now has two fights remaining on his contract and plans to leave the UFC once its over. Hunt elucidated that he’s parting ways with the UFC primarily due to his ongoing legal dispute with the promotion and is expected to finish his career in either RIZIN FF in Japan or Bellator MMA in the US.
In a pre-fight interview with MMAjunkie, Hunt admitted that he is already feeling his age, as he continues to be hooked-up against younger and tough foes. After UFC obligations over, he plans on finishing his career elsewhere.
“I get reminded all the time I am the oldest fighter in the universe,” Hunt said. “I’ve got three fights left with the UFC because I haven’t had a good run with a lot of things that’s happened with them.”
“Everyone knows I’m in court about having to get an even playing field. They called me a whiny bitch, but they can all get (expletive). I survived the era of PRIDE, where everyone knowingly juices. I’m here now and they’re trying to make it even.”
After the Curtis Blaydes defeat, Hunt got two more fights left in the UFC, following which he’ll compete outside the promotion.
“After the three fights with the UFC, I’d like to fight globally three more times and then retire. Hang it up,” Hunt said. “I want to go out there in my best shape ever and compete. I feel like I can compete still with these young guys, even though they’re half my age.”
Hunt, who scored a fourth-round TKO win over hard-hitting Derrick Lewis this past June and recently dropped to Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision. He is now 13-12-1, with one no contest and ten victories by knockout.
