UFC superstar and K1 Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt was in town to conduct a “striking” organised by Khalifa Mixed Martial Arts last Friday and Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh for BruSports News took the opportunity to get close to the one-punch knockout specialist following his retirement from the UFC.
Fauzi: Hi Mark, welcome to Brunei! What brings you here and how do you feel?
Mark: I am here for a seminar, I got invited by Eazy (the founder of Khalifa MMA). I feel great, Brunei is nice. I am staying at the Empire Hotel and the place is crazy. It’s beautiful.
Fauzi: You fought in boxing and kickboxing before, but it was in MMA that people started recognising your talent. What made you switch to MMA?
Mark: I went to K1 then to Pride, to Dream then into the UFC. When I started (MMA), it was 2003 and I switched (from kickboxing to MMA) because the money was better… way better and the offer was better.
And why I started fighting (MMA) was because I needed money, to have a better life. That’s why I am fighting… that is why I switched, because the offer was better.
Fauzi: How did you adjust from kickboxing/boxing to MMA which involves ground/grappling style?
Mark: It was a different sport… boxing, kickboxing, as to fighting MMA is very different. I didn’t have anything about the ground (game) and I was a white belt.
I am still learning (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). I should be black belt by now, but I didn’t train in the Gi for what I was doing, I’m a blue (belt) but I was sparring top end level guys but yea I am still learning and I think I will always be a student of Mixed Martial Arts.
Fauzi: Your fight in December was your last one in your contract with the UFC? What is next for you?
Mark: I started losing interest a couple of years ago fighting in the company (UFC). I would have still be competing if the company put a rule to this, because there are cheaters who are always fighting on steroids. They are cheaters. I still love fighting but I just don’t like fighting for that company (UFC)
Fauzi: So what is your plan for the future? Will you be signing for any other fight promotions or companies? Because you said previously that you still want to fight?
Mark: I could fight forever but I think six fights the most, and now I am just talking to a few companies, that’s it and when I’m ready I’ll get back to training and get back to fighting.
We will see who (companies) got the best offer but you will see what happens. I love to fight, so let’s see what happens.
Fauzi: You fought a lot of legends in the sport, and earned many awards for best performances and knockouts, if you are to single out one fight as your best fight? Which one would it be?
Mark: I think the best fight that I ever had was fighting with my age. I’m 45 and one of the oldest fighters to compete.
But yea that is probably my best fight which is just fighting my age. As it gets higher and still fighting and as for the knockouts each of them is good as it is.
Fauzi: Thank you, Mark for answering all the questions, appreciate it.
Mark: You’re welcome man, cheers!
