MMA News: Mark Hunt on leaving UFC; reveals retirement plan

What’s the story?

In an interview with MMAJunkie, Mark Hunt opened up on a myriad of topics. Apparently, Hunt is set to leave the UFC after a few fights, following which he’ll compete three times outside the UFC and then retire.

In case you didn’t know…

Mark Hunt has competed in the sports of boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA since 1998.

Now 43 years of age, ‘Hunto’ still continues to fight in the UFC heavyweight division, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous KO artists of all time—with knockout victories over MMA icons such as Frank Mir, Roy Nelson, as well as decision wins over Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop.

The heart of the matter

Mark Hunt is world-renowned for his iron chin, and despite being considerably undersized for the heavyweight division, he’s found a ton of success competing against elite opposition over the years.

Before his recent fight with Curtis Blaydes, Hunt jested that he always gets reminded how he’s the oldest fighter in the universe. Hunt added that he’s got three fights left in the UFC, following which he’ll compete outside the promotion.

Additionally, Hunt elucidated that he’s parting ways with the UFC primarily due to his ongoing legal dispute with the promotion and a few notable fighters such as Brock Lesnar, owing to the fact that several of Hunt’s recent opponents including Lesnar, Frank Mir and Antonio Silva have tested positive for illegal PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs).

Hunt continued that he plans on sticking to his guns and fighting the legal battle to ensure a clean sport. Hunt stated—

“After the three fights with the UFC, I’d like to fight globally three more times and then retire. Hang it up…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.”

What’s next?

Mark Hunt competed against Curtis Blaydes over the weekend; losing to the latter by way of decision, and now has a couple of fights left on his UFC contract.

Hunt is expected to finish his career in either RIZIN FF in Japan or Bellator MMA in the US. Sportskeeda will keep fans updated on the Super Samoan’s MMA future as and when more details on his standing with the UFC further unravel.

Author’s take

Mark Hunt is one of the most underrated fighters to have ever graced the world of combat sports. If you happen to have partaken in any form of combat or combat sports and faced someone who’s known to use steroids, you’d have felt the perceivably superhuman power and heightened instincts they seem to magically attain.

Hunt is doing the whole martial arts community a noble deed by fighting for a steroid-free sport. Here’s hoping Hunto gets credit for the same.

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