Former UFC heavyweight contender Mark Hunt has expressed interest in returning to the ring, potentially for a bare-knuckle fight with BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill, and has also hinted at a possible boxing match with influencer Jake Paul.
Mark Hunt might be stepping back into the ring. Over the weekend, he dropped a hint on social media. He tagged Jake Paul, the famous influencer turned boxer. Seems like he’s got a hankering to spar with the YouTube star.
Paul’s got a fight coming up in March. No word on who he’s facing yet. Hunt’s name came up during his interview on The MMA Hour. He didn’t dismiss the idea of a face-off with Paul.
“Is that the fight he wants?” Hunt asked. He seemed a bit skeptical, thinking Paul might be a tad small. But he’s game, ready to throw hands with anyone. He’s got no issues there.
Hunt even admires what Paul’s achieved. He’s made a name for himself, sold out stadiums. That’s no small feat for a YouTuber. But when it comes to skill, Hunt’s not so sure. The future, though, is unpredictable.
Hunt’s a former UFC heavyweight contender. His last two fights were in the boxing ring. He lost to Paul Gallen, a former rugby player, in December 2020. But he bounced back, TKO-ing Sonny Bill Williams in November 2022. After that win, he hinted at retirement. Seems like he’s changed his mind.
When Hunt fights again, it likely won’t be in boxing or MMA gloves. He’s in talks with BKFC for a future fight. The 49-year-old seems keen on bare-knuckle boxing.
“I’ve been talking to BKFC for a while,” Hunt admitted. He’s been exchanging messages with champ Mick Terrill. Maybe they’ll throw hands together somewhere.
Fighting’s not for everyone, Hunt acknowledges. It’s tough, but it provides financial stability. He doesn’t fight because he loves it. He fights because he believes it’s his calling. It’s honest work, and it pays well.
BKFC heavyweight champ Mick Terrill isn’t the only one Hunt’s got his eye on. Ben Rothwell, a former UFC contender, has made a name for himself in the BKFC ring. Hunt and Rothwell have history. They fought over 12 years ago at UFC 135 in Denver.
“Dave’s been messaging me about a fight,” Hunt revealed. He’s hoping for a match in June. He’s ready to throw hands and take the title.
Hunt’s also open to fighting other big names in BKFC’s heavyweight roster. Junior dos Santos, Alan Belcher, and Todd Duffee are all possibilities. But he’s got one condition.
Hunt recently lost a case against UFC in federal court. He accused UFC, CEO Dana White, and UFC 200 opponent Brock Lesnar of conspiring to let Lesnar compete with the help of performance-enhancing drugs. Lesnar failed a drug test, but Hunt couldn’t prove officials knew beforehand.
Now, Hunt wants a clause in his contract. If his opponent is caught using steroids, they forfeit their purse. He’s adamant about that. “We’ll see what happens,” he said.