Mark Hunt: If I Beat JDS, I Should Get the Shot

UFC heavyweight fan favorite Mark Hunt is no stranger to being the underdog. He couldn’t be labeled as anything but upon his entrance into the UFC, coming in with a less-than-stellar record after his tenure in Pride. But his efforts in the Octagon have obviously changed those views, as he rides an incredible wave of momentum thanks to four straight knockouts.

Now he’ll face the most highly-skilled opponent of his career in former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos at UFC 160 tonight. Hunt almost didn’t make it to Las Vegas after a highly publicized struggle over visa issues. But he is here, and has some high stakes on the line this evening. The whole process had him a bit dejected, but Hunt tried to remain positive throughout, and focus on the task at hand.

Thankfully he finally got a plane to Las Vegas, because his bout with dos Santos has the potential to be one of the most hard-hitting bouts this year, if not in MMA history. JDS just lost his belt to Cain Velasquez last December and looks to climb back to the top. But it’s Hunt who is looking to spoil the party and get his own title shot:

“I feel if I beat JDS this weekend, I should get the shot. But whatever happens, happens. … I’m always the underdog for every fight, and I probably always will be.” – via MMA Junkie

What a story that would be, if Hunt found himself in a UFC title fight just a few years after most MMA pundits had written him off as a legitimate contender. He knows he’s the underdog tonight, and most likely will be should he keep fighting the best heavyweights the UFC has to offer.

But that doesn’t matter to Mark Hunt.