The “Super Samoan” is already planning for his post-UFC fighting career.
Mark Hunt has had more than his fair share of drama since nearly winning the interim heavyweight title against Fabricio Werdum in 2014, but through it all he kept coming back for more UFC fights. Even his abrupt removal from the main event of UFC Sydney over CTE concerns and his resulting freak out hasn’t kept him from continuing to sign on the dotted line for more bouts.
But don’t get it twisted: Hunt is just trying to fight out his contract as quickly as possible so he can move on to greener pastures. He shared what some of those pastures looked like with FOX Sports Australia.
“I’ve got this one in Perth then hopefully I can push out two more before the end of the year and my contract will be up,” Hunt said. “I’d like to fight another three times globally and then probably hang them up. I’ve already been offered three boxing fights. I’m still chasing the UFC dream. I want to be the best mixed martial artist in the world.”
“Maybe I will chase a boxing title after that. Conor fought the best boxer in the world so who knows? I’ve been offered Lucas Browne and Paul Gallen. Who is looking after these guys? Come on guys. I know Gal. We have lunch sometimes. You can’t really fight friends or family but it depends if the money is right.”
If not, there’s always Japan.
Both Browne and Gallen are Australian boxers, with Browne holding a WBA title and Gallen better known for his rugby career. Both would make for high profile fights in his home country … and some decent money for Hunt, who is still smarting over his recent removal from the UFC’s last Australian card.
“I was angry at the time they pulled me off,” Hunt said. “I lost a lot of money. The taxman was calling. They don’t get out your back. Of course I was pissed off. I lost over a million dollars. I’ve got nothing against Dana. They are just looking after themselves.”
Hunt will continue to look out for himself and make as many waves as possible when he faces Curtis Blaydes in the co-main of UFC 221 in Perth, Australia on February 11th.