Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has shown flashes of brilliance over the last few years, but it’s also suffered some embarrassing setbacks. And let’s face it, the promotion is just twenty-something years old and still needs some work.
That’s why Mark Hunt is letting it go.
The good news for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans is that “Super Samoan” is going to continue fighting, up to five more times, he’ll just compete for an organization that has its shit together and doesn’t give cheaters world title shots.
Who knows, maybe they can work together in a couple of years after UFC gets some more experience.
“I want to compete five more times, at least – because I still have the fire inside of me to do it – and go from there,” Hunt told MMA Junkie. “Of course I feel like there’s more to do. Half the guys I lost to are freaking cheaters. There’s so much more to do, but it’s not my call. I never got the opportunities. After Derrick Lewis, I got No. 7, No. 9, now I’ve got No. 13. (Expletive) it, I’m not going to get another shot, and that’s the way it is. I’m done with it. I’m at peace with it.”
I guess the dream is gone.
Hunt returns to the Octagon this weekend in South Australia, a heavyweight showdown opposite Justin Willis that marks the final fight of his UFC career. While the “Super Samoan” has always been a fan favorite, his Octagon record has been inconsistent and his public battles with bald c—ksuckers upper management have been well documented.
Probably because everything gets documented in major lawsuits.
Win or lose, Hunt (13-13-1, 1 NC) has a valuable name on the International circuit, thanks to his career in both PRIDE Fighting Championship and K-1 Kickboxing. Plenty of opportunities exist in ONE Championship and RIZIN Fighting Federation, as well as Bellator MMA in the United States.
Sure, he turns 45 in March, but it’s not like that ever stopped anyone from competing.