UFC legend announces shock comeback just weeks before 50th birthday despite admitting he has brain damage symptoms
UFC legend Mark Hunt has announced plans to make a comeback – despite previously admitting he has brain damage symptoms.
Heavyweight Hunt – who turns 50 in March – is an icon in New Zealand with a storied kickboxing and MMA career.
But he has not fought since November 2022, when he became the first to defeat All Blacks star-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams.
Now, Hunt revealed he is looking to make a return in 2024.
He said on Instagram: “I’m looking forward to a good new year this year,’ Hunt said in a video message.
“[In] 2024 I’m looking at fighting again, three or four [fights] maybe. I’m taking some offers.
“It’s especially a challenge at my age. I’m going to be 50 this year, but looking forward to the challenge and financially it will be great.”
Hunt has also opened the door to a move into bare-knuckle boxing.
He commented on the post: “3 fights and I will take the belt.”
Hunt had 29 MMA fights, nearly 50 kickboxing bouts and four in the boxing ring.
And in 2017, Hunt admitted to suffering from brain damage symptoms.
He said: “My body is f****d but my mind is still here.
“I’ve still got my senses about me and I know what’s right and wrong, which is the main thing.
“Sometimes I don’t sleep well. You can hear me starting to stutter and slur my words. My memory is not that good anymore.
“I’ll forget something I did yesterday but I can remember the s*** I did years and years ago.
“That’s just the price I’ve paid – the price of being a fighter.”