Tag: Paul Gallen

Ex-UFC Title Challenger Mark Hunt Drops Decision Loss To Paul Gallen In Boxing Clash

HuntFormer UFC interim heavyweight title challenger, Mark ‘Super Samoan’ Hunt recently made his return to the squared circle for his third professional outing, in a Bankwest Stadium defeat to former Australian Rugby League player, Mark Gallen — after a scuffle at the weigh-ins earlier this week.  Hunt, who dropped to 0-2-1 as a professional boxer, […]

Hunt

Former UFC interim heavyweight title challenger, Mark ‘Super Samoan’ Hunt recently made his return to the squared circle for his third professional outing, in a Bankwest Stadium defeat to former Australian Rugby League player, Mark Gallen — after a scuffle at the weigh-ins earlier this week. 

Hunt, who dropped to 0-2-1 as a professional boxer, had failed to make the walk to the ring since the year 2000, where he battled to a draw with Joe Askew. 

The renowned heavyweight knockout artist suffered his third consecutive loss in combat sports, failing to mount a comeback against the rallying Gallen, on his way to a (58-58 x2, and 58-55) unanimous decision loss over five-rounds. 

The 46-year-old South Auckland native got off to a promising start in the outing, with Gallen admitted he was rocked in the second-round via a damaging shot from the Kiwi, who eventually seemed quite fatigued midway through the contest. 

Involved in quite the public dispute with the UFC following his eventual ‘No Contest’ with former division kingpin, Brock Lesnar back at UFC 200 in July 2016, Hunt had suffered three consecutive defeats to Curtis Blaydes, Aleksei Oleinik, and Justin Willis prior to his release from the UFC back in 2018 having fought the final bout on his Octagon deal. 

With a 13-14-1-(1) résumé as a professional mixed martial artist, kickboxing standout Hunt famously scored notable career victories over the likes of Dab Bobish, Wanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Ben Rothwell, Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve, Roy Nelson, Antonio Silva, Frank Mir, and Derrick Lewis.

During his nine-year stint in K-1 — Hunt managed to claim the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix, defeating the likes of Jerome Le Banner, and Stefan Leko, before a final triumph over Francisco Filho. 

While Hunt slumped to a defeat, opponent, Gallen claimed he’d “smash“ former UFC middleweight titleholder, Robert ‘The Reaper’ Whittaker as well. 

Mark Hunt Throws Punch At Boxing Opponent During Weigh-Ins

Mark HuntUFC and Pride veteran Mark Hunt can’t wait until his next fight. Literally. The fan-favourite Hunt made his name in MMA after transitioning from kickboxing. During an eight-fight run in Pride and an 18-fight run in the UFC, he fought some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, including Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, […]

Mark Hunt

UFC and Pride veteran Mark Hunt can’t wait until his next fight. Literally.

The fan-favourite Hunt made his name in MMA after transitioning from kickboxing. During an eight-fight run in Pride and an 18-fight run in the UFC, he fought some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, including Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Fabricio Werdum and Brock Lesnar. He became known for his exciting stand-up style, particularly his now infamous walk-off knockouts. Ultimately, a three-fight losing streak – combined with a number of contractual and legal disputes – signaled the end of his time in the UFC.

The Super Somoan is scheduled to make his return to combat sports in a boxing match on December 16 in Australia. This will be Hunt’s third time getting into the boxing ring and the first time in 20 years. He dropped his debut in 1999 to Josh Wyborn and fought Joe Askew to a draw in 2000. He faces former rugby star Paul Gallen, who owns a 9-0-1 record against mostly unproven talent.

Things got heated between the two at the weigh-ins, as Gallen started trash talking during their face-off. Things quickly escalated and the men had to be separated before Hunt broke free and threw a left hook at his opponent.

Hunt spoke about his return to boxing last month in an interview with Submission Radio. He said that his return to the squared circle is a result of his desire to continue competing and a fair offer made by the promoter (H/T BJPenn).

“I’m a fighter at heart,” Hunt said. “I wanted to finish my career happy instead of being so bitter at fighting and fighting in general. Especially how they run things. I mean, yeah it was a good offer [to fight Paul Gallen]. Things have worked out well, we made a good deal. And it will be one of the biggest events in fighting on this card here in my home town, which I think is awesome. So, what better way than to finish it off with a couple of boxing fights and then move on, I think. I want to have six more fights, to be honest, and finish my career happy.”

This will be Hunt’s first competition since being released by the UFC in December 2018. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in the boxing ring and what kind of opponents he is squared off against. If he does decide to return to MMA at some point, he’s sure to have more than a few suitors bidding for his services.

How do you think Mark Hunt will do in boxing? Do you think we’ll ever see him compete in MMA again?

Mark Hunt Reportedly Returning In Boxing Match With Ex-Rugby Player

HuntHunt To Return To Boxing? Mark Hunt is reportedly returning to combat sports. Hunt hasn’t competed since suffering defeat in the last fight of his UFC deal following his unanimous decision defeat to Justin Willis back in December 2018. However, “the Super Samoan” could be back in October this year as he will be facing […]

Hunt

Hunt To Return To Boxing?

Mark Hunt is reportedly returning to combat sports.

Hunt hasn’t competed since suffering defeat in the last fight of his UFC deal following his unanimous decision defeat to Justin Willis back in December 2018.

However, “the Super Samoan” could be back in October this year as he will be facing ex-rugby player turned boxer Paul Gallen in a boxing match. Gallen confirmed the matchup to 2GB Radio and stated it would take place on either October 30 or 31.

MMA Fighting would confirm the pending matchup and although no location is confirmed, The Daily Telegraph report that the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand could host the event. That was where UFC Auckland — headlined by Dan Hooker and Paul Felder in February — notably took place.

Hunt, 46, has competed in boxing before but last did so back in 2000. The former UFC heavyweight contender holds a 0-1-1 record.

Gallen, on the other hand, holds a 9-0-1 record in boxing since beginning his professional career in 2014. His most recent outing was a majority decision draw against fellow Aussie Barry Hall in November.

Do you believe this boxing match will happen? And will you be watching it, if so?