The Southland Times

Homecoming for Hunt

- MARVIN FRANCE

It has been a long time coming but Mark Hunt will finally make his mixed martial arts debut on home soil and the outspoken Kiwi-born heavyweigh­t has vowed to put on a show like only he can.

‘‘I’m looking forward to coming back to kick some a....,’’ the ‘Super Samoan’ said.

The UFC confirmed yesterday that Hunt would headline the organisati­on’s return to Auckland in a five-round showdown against fellow knockout artist Derrick ‘ The Black Beast’ Lewis on June 11.

It has been 16 years since Hunt last fought on these shores, when he lost on points to Australian Peter Graham in the K-1 New Zealand Grand Prix.

His career has taken many twists and turns since then, from winning the K-1 world championsh­ip later in 2001 to hitting rock bottom after sixstraigh­t defeats before battling back to fight for a UFC title.

Hunt has been based in Australia for more than 20 years but there is no doubt the chance to be centre stage back where it all began will be a special moment for the 43-year-old.

‘‘It’s where my career started, in Auckland,’’ Hunt said. ‘‘My first fight ever there was 27 years ago. I’ve been fighting for a long time at the top end of combat sports but this is great news.’’

Hunt was absent from the UFC’s first event in New Zealand three years ago but his army of supporters will be in for an explosive night with Lewis rivalling the him as the biggest puncher in the division.

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