Former UFC heavyweight and longtime PRIDE / K-1 legend Mark Hunt has been arrested in Australia on charges of stalking.
The Sydney Morning Herald was first to report hat Hunt, now 52, was arrested on Tuesday evening in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales following an alleged domestic incident. He was charged with one count of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm and refused immediate bail.
According to testimony from a Wednesday bail hearing, the alleged victim was
helping Hunt with an unspecified task when Hunt began acting in an “intimidating and berating manner causing fear and distress for the woman and a witness.”
“The Super Samoan” was granted bail at that hearing on the condition that he leave the area of the incident and return to his official residence in southwest Sydney. Disturbing allegations were made regarding Hunt during the hearing, including the sharing of a text message he was said to have sent to the victim previously that read “I’m just going to murder you in the end anyway.”
Police prosecutors pointed to Hunt’s career in combat sports as a reason to deny bail, claiming it made him a heightened risk to the victim and community. Hunt was released, but will be back in court on April 30 for a hearing. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a defense attorney for Hunt said the retired fighter would be pleading guilty to the charge.
Mark Hunt fought for the UFC from 2010 to 2018, going 8-8-1 with the promotion. His biggest fight with the promotion was undoubtedly a UFC 200 bout against Brock Lesnar, which Hunt lost via decision. That was later overturned to a No Contest after Lesnar tested positive for steroids, leading Hunt to sue UFC and the WWE star alleging a conspiracy.
That case has been repeatedly struck down but Hunt continues to insist it’s only a matter of time before an appeal sticks.
Hunt hasn’t fought since a 2022 boxing win in Australia, but has teased a potential BKFC comeback.
