UFC tried to 'buy' Mark Hunt's dismissal for R$1,6 million in 2007

Hunt arrived discredited from PRIDE. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

See too

Video: Watch the UFC Brisbane weigh-in, with Hunt x Mir. Live!

Anderson Silva confirmed for UFC Curitiba against Hall

Rockhold reveals that Cormier was upset by boos at press conference

As an Ultimate athlete for almost a decade, Mark Hunt He experienced ups and downs in the organization, and even challenged for the interim heavyweight belt. The relationship between the fighter and the event, however, did not start off on the right foot, and this happened due to an, to say the least, unusual proposal made by President Dana White to the New Zealander.

In an interview with the Australian newspaper “Daily Telegraph”, White himself revealed that, when Ultimate acquired PRIDE in 2007 and was forced to honor the contracts of the extinct Japanese organization, he made an offer of US$450 (about R$ 1,6 million, at the current rate), so that the New Zealander resigned.

“We thought it was enough money to convince him to leave,” said the leader. “He said to me something like “No way. F*** you! I love fighting, that’s who I am,” he added.

In a very different moment, Mark Hunt will now be in the main event of UFC Fight Night Brisbane. This Saturday (19), Hunt will face the former heavyweight champion Frank mir.