The UFC aren’t taking any chances with UFC 200.
Anyone who’s been following the heavyweight division over the last few years will know that getting excited about a Cain Velasquez fight can be a dangerous game. The former champion is one of the most dynamic fighters in the division, but the only problem is seeing him inside the Octagon is a rarity as he tends to get injured… a lot.
Velasquez will take on Travis Browne at UFC 200… maybe. If worst comes to worst, the UFC have a more than adequate replacement waiting in the wings in the form of fan favourite Mark Hunt.
The last time we saw Hunt inside the Octagon, he scored another trademark walk-off KO against two-time UFC heavyweight champion (including one interim belt) Frank Mir at Fight Night Brisbane in March. However, he has yet to book another fight following the sensational first round finish.
Hunt revealed to the Daily Telegraph that he will likely be fighting again this summer, hinting strongly that he will be on standby for UFC 200.
“I asked Dana about New York but he has other plans. Wants me fighting sooner… I’ve only just got back in the gym but my body is feeling good. So it could be UFC 200, who knows?”
“Look, I’m just the good ‘ol employee, Mr Hunt. So I’m not allowed to say anything. But I have been told to be ready.”
Hunt is no stranger to stepping in on short notice. The Super Samoan fought Fabricio Werdum for the interim strap at UFC 180 after Velasquez pulled out with an injured knee. More recently, Hunt offered to fight Jon Jones in a heavyweight bout in UFC 197’s headliner, but the big wigs opted for Ovince Saint Preux instead.
Hunt’s embracing being the safe bet replacement in the heavyweight division and he’s going to stay ready in case the UFC come calling.
“It’s all a bit hard to follow at the moment but it seems I could be that fill in guy somewhere. You know, when somebody has a problem you call me. Mr Reliable.”
“I’ll take a fight on a couple of days notice … (laughs) even if it means a thrashing.”
