This must be “UFC 119 Thursday” with all the news that has come out today regarding the Sept. 25 event at the Canseco Field House in Indianapolis, Ind.
This most recent report concerns PRIDE and K-1 veteran Mark Hunt (6-5), who has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC. Hunt is expected to make his Octagon debut at UFC 119 as a heavyweight against another newcomer, Sean McCorkle (7-0).
The oddest thing about this announcement is the fact Hunt has lost his last five fights and has not had a victory since defeating Tsuyoshi Kosaka (26-18-2) at PRIDE Total Elimination Absolute in May 2006.
It is not every day the world’s premiere mixed martial arts organization signs a 36-year-old fighter with a losing record. Having said that, most PRIDE fans will likely be nostalgically thrilled with the announcement.
Hunt’s last outing lasted a minute-and-nineteen seconds, a submission armbar loss to Gegard Mousasi (28-3-1) at DREAM 9 in May 2009.
McCorkle’s most recent fight was a second round TKO victory over Tennessee journeyman Johnathan Ivey (29-42) at Legends of Fighting 39 in May of this year.
Having not fought in over a year, Hunt has gone into the blog business, selling memberships to his personal website for a set up fee of $97.00, then $19.97 each month after that, where you can read all about and watch videos of Mr. Hunt.
Hunt gives the hard sell, first explaining why he has been losing, then telling you why you should fork out about half a pay-per-view per month to join his website:
Here it is, I am the heart behind the fist, and for a while there, my heart just ain’t been in it. I could make excuses and say, well I did have a year and a half off BUT that’s not how I roll. The good news is…. because of what I’m doing right here, right now with my blog.
I’m getting my heart back, now I’m focused, I’m ready, I’m hungry, I’m dangerous.
I am about to make the mother of all comebacks, so you better watch this space, cause things are gonna get crazy, and if you are a member, you will be the first to know.
UPDATE: 7-8-10, 11:42 p.m. CT – UFC President Dana White answered on Twitter why they signed Hunt, “part of the Pride deal we contractually owe him fights from our purchase of the company.”