New Zealand’s biggest exponent of multi disciplined martial arts took a near eighteen month hiatus with the collapse of the all mighty pride empire in Japan. His comeback to the code he first stormed in 2001, whilst a virtual unknown, when he upset red-hot favourite Jerome Le Banner to win the K-1 GP final in Tokyo. His career sky rocketed from that point onwards and his highly successful stint in Mixed Martial Arts made him a cult figure.

Just recently ROGUE learned of Hunt being offered to fight on the KO World Series, which is a rival league to the K1 that launched in Auckland, New Zealand. However it did not eventuate as his purse alone would have outweighed the rest of the fighter’s combined by two fold. Then there was the talk of him being a guest commentator at ring side for the KO WS, but due to the show coinciding with the birth of his first child it did not eventuate.

The biggest and most exciting news is that Hunt will be make his comeback on a one off K-1 deal (Stand up fight) and the rest will be Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Moreover the fighter who most rank, as arguably the no.1 Pound for Pound (P4P) ever in MMA, Fedor Emelianenko may step in the ring with Hunt. This fight according to Hunt “will happen soon” and declined to further comment. Given Fedors’ free agent status, DREAM might very well be the stage for this colossal clash. Talk about mouth watering prospects as Hunt, Fedor and Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic all in the same promotion- one hell of a Bermuda triangle.

Hunt originally from South Auckland, who used to mix it up with some of the meanest on the streets of New Zealand’s toughest of suburbia is arguably the most successful converter of a street savvy style into pro fighting. His unorthodox yet brutally effective and entertaining style is a draw card any day of the year. Guys like Kimbo Slice who talk of being street certified have lots to be desired when compared to the methods and results Hunt has achieved over the years.

Given that Hunt is up for only a single stand up fight against Schilt under K-1 rules, if he does wrest the title off the champion, would no doubt cause a stir and a half. The K1 will have one major headache and require renegotiating a contract, possibly forking out more dollars for Hunt to fight several other men including countryman Ray Sefo if the need arises. That is as far as K-1 Super Heavy weight title goes.

Tell you what-- a guy like Hunt only need one chance and he can finish someone in a hurting heap, where as Schilt has everything to lose and a glittering title belt.

The re-entry of hunt will no doubt re-ignite the world of fight sport as a whole, and his key strength is diplomacy for foreign fight policy. In times where all sorts of beauty salon theory have entered fight contracts, Hunt talks the key fact. That being money and whoever is willing to pay for his services the best- he is a soldier of fortune. If you were an investor, and if he a company- you would get a good return on investment and a bonus dividend to go.

FEG have done a smart thing by getting him back on their books, and the fight with Schilt will galvanise the ailing ratings of the recent past. What’s more if the economics are right, with Hunt being able to deliver a mind blowing KO, they may move back to the Tokyo dome for the K-1 GP final. It is a master stroke from the K-1 and DREAM, who are looking the total package by the day.

In times where most codes in prize fighting have taken the path of freaks fighting, be it in stand up or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): the re-introduction of Hunt is refreshing. He is a true fighter of freak and paranormal ability. A cat has been let loose amongst the pigeons- who will the first prey be?

Mark took some time out from his busy training schedule for a brief interview with ROGUE...

Q. So Mark- it’s been a long hibernation for you: lots of people out there wondering when they would see you in action- why the K1 and why against Semi Schilts?

A. Well it has been a while but it was part of the contract I was offered. I did not want to fight k-1 since I have won the title already but always up for a challenge and when the window of opportunity opens for me; I try to always take it—cos’ it does not always open you know

Q. Big bucks on the fight? Better than any MMA outfit?

A. Well it is only one k-1 fight to start with, the rest of my contract is all MMA, So it’s good- suits me fine

Q. What are the chances of seeing you in MMA? Perhaps in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) or even the new DREAM card against Mirko Cro Cop?

A. Umm.. UFC I don’t know but k-1 and DREAM are partners so the rest of my MMA fights are with DREAM; but like I always say money talks. You never know, I am open to anything if the money is right

Q. Where does the “Hammer” train these days? Who trains you and any sparring partners worth a mention?

A. I don’t know who the hammer is (Ha Ha Ha) but I train at my gym in Minto (Australia) and spar with the guys that come there. No big names just the local guys and they are all hard and good training. It keeps me in shape and ready to fight.

Q. Do you rate any of the top UFC guys? Are they all that they say they are?

A. I don’t rate anyone until I fight with them! So if and when i do, will let you know

Q. Fedor Emelianenko- maybe a fight with him someday… You have any thoughts on that?

A. Well that is another fight that will happen in the near future….that’s it for the moment, I can't say anymore!

Q. When will you have your first comeback fight in MMA- any details?

A. May 8th- tell you the rest later, you will have the scoop!

Q. Kimbo Slice is grabbing some serious headlines- would you ever want to fight him, maybe sooner than we think?

A. I will battle with anyone walking this planet, it’s simple as that; I will fight anybody!

Q. How’s the diet and training? Do you still tank on the carbs with Taro (Island Food)?

A. I don’t know about that, just try to keep my food straight and clean- that’s all

Q. It’s a New Year, we hear you’re a father now- what’s the plan for Mark Hunt, back with the K1 full time or free agent?

A. I have a baby boy-- lil' Noah and as for k-1 I have one fight with k-1; that’s it the rest are all MMA fights, we will see if I fight more k-1, I will fight if the money is there and the money is right!

Q. Any message for Sem and perhaps you two could meet in MMA?

A. Yeah- maybe, that’s a good possibility and whichever way it will be a memorable clash, thanks to all my fans and keep on supporting for more good fights to come! Don't forget to read ROGUE on www.roguemag.com

ROGUE: Thanks champ!!!
M H: No worries and anytime…

Pictures Courtsey of www.graciemag.com and Reuters (C)