When the UFC purchased and ultimately disbanded its rival, PRIDE Fighting Championships, veteran heavyweight Mark Hunt was offered a pretty sweet deal.
Quite simply, the UFC was willing to pay him to go away and surrender his contracted fights.
But the PRIDE veteran didn't want to do that, and following a hard-fought decision victory over Ben Rothwell at Saturday's UFC 135 event, UFC president heaped praise on him.
In fact, it was White who convinced Hunt to attend the post-fight press conference for UFC 135, which took place Saturday at Denver's Pepsi Center. Hunt (7-7 MMA, 2-1 UFC) fought Rothwell (31-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC) on the night's pay-per-view main card.
"I actually asked Mark to come to this press conference," White said. "Many of you probably don't know, or some of you do know, when we bought PRIDE, he came as part of the PRIDE deal. It was back and forth, and basically I was like, 'You know what? We'll just pay you off what we owed you in the PRIDE deal.' Mark Hunt said, 'No, I want to come, and I want to fight.'"
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"If you don't like me that's fine, but you're wrong and I hate you."
"I smoke herbs bro. Mind control bullshit doesn't work on people who smoke herbs."
Deathsquad bitches.
It really bothers me to see this in 2011.
"(7-7 MMA, 2-1 UFC)"
EDIT: Nice win for Hunt though. He's clearly improving so good for him.
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"If you don't like me that's fine, but you're wrong and I hate you."
"I smoke herbs bro. Mind control bullshit doesn't work on people who smoke herbs."
Deathsquad bitches.
if he can stay away from getting taken down, he always has the chance to punish people on the feet. always been a fan, but that was one ugly fight. a W is a W though
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MMA Events Attended:
FFI Ultimate Chaos Lashley vs Sapp - Biloxi
FN22 Marquardt vs Palhares - Austin
FN25 Shields vs Ellenberger - New Orleans
Bellator 73- Tunica
Never Trust A Man Who Does Not Make All Of His Picks
Posted by Budgellism
It really bothers me to see this in 2011.
"(7-7 MMA, 2-1 UFC)"
EDIT: Nice win for Hunt though. He's clearly improving so good for him.
I agree it looks bad but look who he lost too,
Fedor, Barnett, Overeem, Manhoef, and Mousasi, plus wins over Wandy and Cro Cop in his prime. Hunt is a lot better than his record indicates.
Other than him and to a lesser extent Lesnar is there anyone who has faced that level of competition from their first fight to their most recent?
Posted by FlashyG
Posted by Budgellism
It really bothers me to see this in 2011.
"(7-7 MMA, 2-1 UFC)"
EDIT: Nice win for Hunt though. He's clearly improving so good for him.
I agree it looks bad but look who he lost too,
Fedor, Barnett, Overeem, Manhoef, and Mousasi, plus wins over Wandy and Cro Cop in his prime. Hunt is a lot better than his record indicates.
Other than him and to a lesser extent Lesnar is there anyone who has faced that level of competition from their first fight to their most recent?
Mark Hunt's worst caliber opponents have been in the UFC
Props to Hunt for not taking the easy route. He could have fought elsewhere but wanted to fight in the big show. And props to Dana for keeping him around. He could have just said too bad and cut him.
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Rabi 4/25/13
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" Dream As If You'll Live Forever, Live As If You'll Die Today"- James Dean
I wouldn't really say that hunt won that match more like rothwell beat himself
Come on guys give Hunt his props! The guy is a warrior and very entertaining. I hope he pulls off a few more upsets in the future!
I hope they give Hunt a good striker if he takes another fight, I mean idk how his contract is.
Hunt has fought a Submission guy, a Wrestler, and a Well-rounded guy in his three fights in the UFC.
I think it's time he get's a striker. Cmon Barry!
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BJ Penn beat Frankie Edgar more times than Benson Henderson beat Frankie Edgar.
Posted by prozacnation1978
I wouldn't really say that hunt won that match more like rothwell beat himself
That's ridiculous, Hunt schooled Rothwell. There was one moment at the end of the first where Rothwell had the upper hand, but other than that, this fight was all Hunt.
They should put him on the Japan card for his next fight.Not sure who I would put him against though.
Posted by warglory
Posted by prozacnation1978
I wouldn't really say that hunt won that match more like rothwell beat himself
That's ridiculous, Hunt schooled Rothwell. There was one moment at the end of the first where Rothwell had the upper hand, but other than that, this fight was all Hunt.
This.
I think Hunt won every round.
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BJ Penn beat Frankie Edgar more times than Benson Henderson beat Frankie Edgar.
I see hunt fighting peewee or browne next
Much respect for Hunt, war Super Samoa!!