Heavyweight contender Mark Hunt signs new multi-million dollar contract with UFC
Years ago, while on a losing streak, Mark Hunt turned down a lucrative buy-out offer from the UFC. Now he's a former title-challenger and the UFC is paying him big bucks to stay in the battle for gold well into his 40s.
UFC Tonight reported Wednesday that the Super Samoan signed a new UFC contract, while an outlet from his native New Zealand revealed that Hunt's deal will make him one of the highest-paid Kiwi fighters in the world.
Stuff reports that Hunt's new UFC contract is a six-fight, multi-million dollar deal — one the fighter said he went through a couple negotiating rounds with UFC president Dana White before coming to terms.
Though to Hunt, it's more than just about the Benjamins. What the kickboxer most wants now is another title shot.
"It's not about the money. Of course I had to get paid for my work, but I want that title," Hunt said while monkeying around in Bali on holiday with his family.
"I think I still deserve a title shot and in the end I thought six fights should do it. I'm glad to finish my career at the top end with the UFC. I want to bring the gold down under," he continued.
Hunt expects this current contract to take him to the end of the 42-year-old's already legendary combat career, and also hopes that his rags-to-riches story will inspire others.
"It's great news especially for the local fighters, men and women, in New Zealand and Australia. It shows them they can achieve these goals. I've been doing it for years and they can too.
"They just need to surround themselves with the right management team and if they're good enough they can get these multi-million dollar deals and have a good life."
