M. Hunt (photo) was Pezão’s training partner at ATT. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Confirmed as the main fight of UFC Fight Night 33, on December 6th in Australia, the fight between Antônio “Pezão” Silva and Mark Hunt It almost wasn't just in the planning. That's because, in an interview with the “MMA Fighting” website, Hunt revealed that he rejected the confrontation in Ultimate's first offer.
“I rejected the fight. I wanted a different opponent. I didn't want this fight because he's a member of American Top Team (ATT). Not only that, but the same thing had happened to Cheick Kongo. We've worked together before. As I said before, however, I am an employee of the company. It's our job. Business aside, we will still be friends, we will say hi, this and that. That’s the way it is,” said the New Zealander.
Hunt also recalled the Brazilian's contribution to his previous preparations. “When I was working with Pezão, I was training to face Stefan struve. And because of Pezão I discovered how bad my leg was. It was my Posterior Cruciate Ligament. He was kicking there and that's how I found out. It was good, then I had to pull out of the fight a week in advance, which is really disgusting,” he commented.
Even with the initial reservations, Mark Hunt guarantees that he currently views the confrontation against Antônio Silva with positive eyes. “The truth is, it really is a blessing. I'm grateful to the UFC for giving me this opportunity, especially after being knocked out by Junior dos Santos in Las Vegas. I’m really grateful to Dana (White) and them for giving me this opportunity,” said the heavyweight. “Again, it’s a big step for me. Pezão is number four in the world. And I'm not even in top-10, I think. I am blessed,” she concluded.
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