5 Things that the future holds for Mark Hunt

Mark Hunt has finally parted ways with the UFC, and to be honest, not many in the combat sports community are really surprised by this decision made by the legendary New Zealand-born KO artist. Hunt had been at odds with the UFC, ever since the controversial chain of events that ensued after his UFC 200 bout with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.

As is common knowledge, Lesnar tested positive for banned PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs) after having beaten Hunt via Unanimous Decision in their 3-round bout at UFC 200. Needless to say, the result of the fight was overturned from a UD victory for Lesnar, to a No-Contest (NC). Regardless, Hunt aggressively pursued his lawsuit against Lesnar, and then eventually against the UFC and company President Dana White as well!

Despite the entire legal fiasco yielding relatively negligible results for "Hunto", the veteran continually voiced his displeasure with the UFC's handling of Lesnar's admission into the USADA testing pool, as well as the manner in which they'd seemingly permitted Lesnar to simply waltz in and out of the UFC.

Nevertheless, Hunt fought 5 more times in the UFC – thereby completing his contract with the organization – managing to secure only 1 win, and amassing 4 defeats. Following his lackluster Unanimous Decision loss to Justin Willis at UFC Fight Night: Dos Santos vs. Tuivasa (December 2nd, 2018), Hunt insinuated in the post-fight interview that he'll indeed continue his fighting career outside the UFC.

Today, we take a special look at which organizations, not only in the MMA sphere but also in other combat sport realms, Hunt could continue competing in. Here are the 5 things that the future holds for Mark Hunt...

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#5 Mark Hunt could join WSOF (World Series Of Fighting), which is now known as the PFL (Professional Fighters League)

Former Mark Hunt opponent, Ray Sefo, plays a vital role in the administration of the PFL

Alright, this one is probably the least likely of the possibilities listed by us. However, Mark Hunt could potentially try his hand at snagging a lucrative deal with the PFL (previously known as WSOF).

Hunt's legendary rivalry with PFL President (Fighter Ops) Ray Sefo is, fortunately for us, limited to the ring, and the two legends, in fact, share a great camaraderie outside of competition. Sefo, now-retired, has been praised by many for his administrative methods in the PFL, and could persuade Hunt into fighting for the organization now that "Hunto" is free from his UFC contract.

Notwithstanding, the next option seems more likely for Hunt.

#4 Mark Hunt would get a hero's welcome in Japan, if he fights for Rizin FF (Rizin Fighting Federation)

Mark Hunt could once again work under a promotional banner operated by Nobuyuki Sakakibara

Two words, one name – Nobuyuki Sakakibara.

The former President of reputable (now-defunct) MMA organizations such as Pride FC and Dream Stage Entertainment (DSE), Sakakibara presently serves as the President for Rizin Fighting Federation (Rizin FF) in Japan.

Mark Hunt has previously worked for Sakakibara, during his time in Pride, and with Rizin FF currently having developed a sort of cult following in the West amongst hardcore MMA fans, Hunt could fight for the promotion in the near future.

Furthermore, another highly important point I ought to note over here is that boxing legend and combat sports box-office king Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been scheduled to fight Japanese kickboxing and MMA prodigy Tenshin Nasukawa in a 'mixed rules fight' (basically an exhibition boxing match with 8 ounce Rizin FF gloves, for three 3-minute rounds).

Let's face it, Rizin has been making mainstream headlines as of late due to the unique exhibition bout's hype, which takes place on Rizin's New Year's Eve card (Rizin 14: Saitama, on December 31st, 2018). With all the buzz Rizin FF has been generating as of late, Hunt's previous experience of having worked with Sakakibara, and "The Super Samoan's" love for Japan; don't be surprised if Hunt ends up signing with Rizin over the next few weeks.

#3 Mark Hunt could cash in with Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA now houses legends such as Fedor Emelianenko (left) and Chael Sonnen (right)

Now, I'm well aware of the fact that certain sections of MMA fans find it 'cool' to downgrade Bellator MMA. However, if you happen to have followed the company in recent years, acquisitions such as Gegard Mousasi, Rory Macdonald, Benson Henderson, MVP (Michael Venom Page), and several others, have served to solidify the fact that Bellator MMA is indeed a legitimate Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

With the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix set to crown the new Bellator Heavyweight Champion, MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko is scheduled to do battle with former UFC Light-Heavyweight contender and current Bellator Light-Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader on January 26th, 2019.

The writing is on the wall. Mark Hunt could perfectly fit into the Bellator Heavyweight division, and with the right matchups could possibly win the Bellator Heavyweight Title! Per the general consensus in the combat sports community, Hunt signing with Bellator is incredibly high on the list of potential future moves for the legendary Heavyweight.

#2 Mark Hunt could join M-1 Global, but there's a catch!

Mark Hunt may have to weigh his options as regards joining M-1 Global

Alright, M-1 Global is indeed a big deal in Russia, under President Vadim Finkelstein and part-owner of M-1 Global Fedor Emelianenko. However, in July of this year, the MMA community was set abuzz by talks of M-1 Global reaching a deal with the UFC and forming "UFC Russia" -- which, as the name suggests, would see M-1 Global help the UFC organize events in Russia.

Now, although Hunt's issues with the UFC and Dana White seemed to have simmered down, it's crystal clear that Hunt is still quite unhappy with the entire fiasco with regard to the aftermath of the UFC 200 Brock Lesnar fight.

Here's the thing, the ball is in Hunt's court, and it remains to be seen whether the man does choose to sign with M-1 Global irrespective of the organization's recent partnership with the UFC.

#1 Mark Hunt could return to Kickboxing, and sign with Glory

Glory would be the perfect promotion for Mark Hunt right now

Mark Hunt is regarded as one of the most dangerous KO artists of all time, and it's no secret that his technical expertise which he brought into the MMA realm, was first honed in the sport of Kickboxing.

Akin to how Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic signed with Glory and once again achieved tremendous success in Kickboxing, after leaving the UFC; Hunt could likely return to the sport of Kickboxing. "Hunto" would most definitely be looking at the possibility of making one last run in the dominion of Kickboxing, and it'd be folly for him to not sign with the top KB promotion in the world right now -- Glory.

Honestly speaking, Hunt largely struggled with excellent grapplers in MMA, and by competing under Kickboxing rules in Glory, he wouldn't have to worry about the grappling aspect of fighting. He can just slug it out on the feet!

Just the way Hunt has always preferred it.

Which promotion would you like to see Mark Hunt fight in? Please give us your thoughts in the comments section below!