Longtime MMA fan favorite Mark Hunt has not competed since an acrimonious exit from the UFC in December 2018. The popular heavyweight, of course, was embroiled in a lawsuit with his employer, as a result of Brock Lesnar testing positive for performance enhancing drugs prior to the pair’s UFC 200 fight.
The results of Lesnar’s drug test were not returned until after the contest, originally a unanimous decision win for the WWE star, had taken place. The lawsuit has since been dismissed, but is under appeal.
Despite the legal action, Hunt remained with the company for five more fights. But his only win came against Derrick Lewis in 2017. After that, the losses began to pile up, and Hunt fought out his deal.
Ever since, fans have awaited his return. RIZIN or Bellator seemed like they might be likely destinations. But Hunt appeared to drop out of the limelight. However, a rumored boxing match with Rugby star Paul Gallen appears close to a done deal.
Gallen, who began boxing while still active in Rugby, told Australia’s 2GB Radio that he’s agreed to a fight with Hunt in October. That, after negotiations had previously stalled. A follow-up report by MMA Fighting confirmed the match-up, which is expected to take place at the end of October, either the 30th or 31st.
Prior to his MMA career, and at times alongside it, Hunt competed in kickboxing, finding considerable success. That includes becoming a K-1 World Grand Prix champion. Hunt also dabbled in boxing, going 0-1-1 through two bouts. The last came in Australia, twenty years ago.
Now 46, Hunt is looking at taking on the 38-year-old Gallen, who has compiled a boxing record of 9-0-1 since his first pro fight in 2014. Five of those nine wins have come via KO/TKO.
