Pride and kickboxing star to debut at UFC 119

Pride fighting veteran Mark Hunt will make his UFC debut against undefeated Sean McCorkle at UFC 119: Mir vs. CroCop.

Hunt, who is known for his raw power, his striking ability, and a tough chin debuted in Pride back in 2004.  According to his Pride FC profile, the 36-year-old Hunt was raised in Auckland New Zeland, growing up in a large family.

While he has spent a long time in martial arts, Hunt never actually intended to be a fighter.  According to his Pride profile, Hunt was involved at an altercation at a night club.  It was there he got the attentions of the bouncers who convinced him to train.

While Hunt is considered a star in MMA, he could also be seen as the underdog in his fight with McCorkle.  He has lost his last five fights, his most recent was back in May, against Gerard Mousasi at the Super Hulks Grand Prix tournament for the DREAM fighting promotion.

Hunt’s fighting record is at five wins and six losses.  Although his lossesexceeds his wins, Hunt has wins over fighters such as Wanderlei Silva and Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic.

In addition to his MMA career, Hunt is an accomplished kick boxer, with 30 wins and 13 losses.  His accolades in the kick boxing world include winning the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix champion.

To prepare for his fight against McCorkle, Hunt has been training with American Top Team, who is known for training such fighters as Bobby Lashley, Cole Miller, and Thiago Silva.

American Top Team posted on their site: We were honored he has chosen to train with us in preparation for his upcoming bout against undefeated fighter Sean McCorkle.

McCorckle, who currently holds a record of nine wins and zero losses, was surprised to be fighting Hunt, who he considers a legend.  In an interview with ProMMANow, McCorkle said fighting Hunt in front of his hometown will be the strangest feeling in the world.

“I was kind of hoping it would be someone I don‘t like,” McCorkle said. 

While McCorkle will have the distraction of fighting in front of his hometown, Hunt will have a lot to prove in his UFC debut.  If he loses this one, this may be his only match in the UFC and one of the last chances he has to put his MMA career back on track.

Links:

Mark Hunt's Pride profile


UFC 119 preview