Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson Rumored For September UFC In Japan

UFC heavyweight fan favorite Mark “The Super Samoan” Hunt has been out of action since his UFC Fight Night 33 war with Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, a fight that ended in a bloody draw.

The K-1 and Pride FC veteran had surgery to fix a broken hand, and was rumored to be facing Brendan Schaub his next time out. Hunt labeled Schaub a “step backwards,” but was ultimately willing to take on “The Hybrid” if that’s what the UFC wanted.

However, Schaub was booked against returning former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski last week, leaving Hunt without a prospective opponent; that is, until Ariel Helwani revealed on “UFC Tonight” that a much better fight may be in the works for the Samoan power hitter:

“A few weeks ago Chael, we talked about Mark Hunt vs. Brendan Schaub being discussed, and it was. But at the end of the day, the UFC pulled an audible and signed Andrei Arlovski of all people to fight Brendan Schaub on June 14. And I’m told, what they wanna do is Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson.

They have to wait and see how Roy’s hand heals after hand surgery last week; of course Hunt coming off hand surgery as well. If all goes well, perhaps that show September 20 in Japan, but right now, that’s what they’re talking about. They haven’t really quite put pen to paper; it’s a little too early for that.”

Both heavy-handed sluggers are on the mend from injuries undoubtedly caused by their otherworldly punching power, but there’s not much question that this is a fight fans want to see.

It was a heated topic of discussion following Nelson’s thunderous knockout of former Pride and UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event of April 11’s UFC Fight Night 39 in Abu Dhabi.

With Hunt and Nelson being two of the most knockout-focused fighters in the sport today, this one has the potential for massive fireworks. It’s all hinging on the fighters being medically cleared, but one that happens, there’s simply no reason for it not to happen.

And with the UFC returning to Japan this fall, the timing is right for Hunt to put on his next show for his beloved fans there. It’s close, but whom would you pick in this battle of exciting sluggers?

Photo: Bruce Fedyck for USA TODAY Sports