Mark Hunt ‘Told To Stay Ready’ For UFC 200

After knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir with another walk-off finish in March, fan favorite knockout artist Mark Hunt aimed to return at the UFC’s long-awaited New York debut at November’s UFC 205 from Madison Square Garden.

However, his employers apparently have other plans for “The Super Samoan” that involves him stepping back into the octagon much sooner.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Hunt said that UFC President Dana White told him to stay ready for July 9’s blockbuster UFC 200 pay-per-view from Las Vegas:

“I asked Dana about New York but he has other plans,’’ Hunt said. “Wants me fighting sooner. I’ve only just got back in the gym but my body is feeling good. So it could be UFC 200, who knows?”

Pressed to reveal more details of his potential return this summer, Hunt remained mum:

“Look, I’m just the good ‘ol employee, Mr Hunt. So I’m not allowed to say anything. But I have been told to be ready. It’s all a bit hard to follow at the moment but it seems I could be that fill-in guy somewhere. You know, when somebody has a problem you call me. Mr. Reliable.

“I’ll take a fight on a couple of days notice … (laughs) even if it means a thrashing.”

Indeed the legendary power striker is a good employee, as he’s filled in on short notice in a high-profile bout before, replacing former champion Cain Velasquez against Fabricio Werdum in the main event of November 2014’s UFC 180, a fight he was largely winning before eating a fight-ending flying knee from “Vai Cavalo.

As for whom he’d potentially fight at UFC 200, a title shot is out of the question with new champion Stipe Miocic taking on surging contender Alistair Overeem in the main event of September’s UFC 203 from Cleveland, but he could most certainly replace Velasquez, who is set to meet Travis Browne at the massive midsummer spectacle, again.

As usual, it doesn’t matter for “The Super Samoan,” who said he will take on anyone at anytime in his last run at a UFC title:

“All of them. When I spoke with Dana I requested every one of the top five guys. One after the other. I said ‘how about him, or him, or him?’ This will be my last run. I’ve got six fights left and I want another shot at that title.”