Veteran UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt's quest for a title is back on track after passing all ordered health checks and scans in Las Vegas.
He will face ninth ranked American Curtis Blaydes at UFC 221 in Perth next year. The pair are on the same card Kiwi interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will be headlining against Luke Rockhold.
Hunt was withdrawn from Fight Night in Sydney last month after making comments in a Player's Voice article he was experiencing memory loss and slurred speech.
Despite Hunt's clearances from Australian specialists, he was ejected with no notice.
"It's kind of embarrassing to be honest; there was nothing wrong with me." says Hunt.
"I missed out fighting at home, disappointed I got pulled from that card I lost over a million dollars and there's no compensation for that."
The 43-year-old has three UFC fights remaining on his contract and is still hell-bent on fighting his way to the top of the division for a title currently held by American Stipe Miocic.
Hunt exclusively told Newshub he only has this contract to complete his mission, before he leaves the UFC for good.
"I really don't think I'll be renewing anything," Hunt said.
"I'm just going to fight my contract, fight three more times globally then retire."
Hunt has it mapped out including rematches with either fellow former K1 fighter Alistair Overeem and Brazilian Fabricio Werdum, who after stating he couldn't fight Hunt in Sydney due to a back injury and finances replaced him as the headlining act last month.
"Fabricio's just a chicken sh*t monkey, he's got no spine. He got me the first the time why not try do it again?" says Hunt.
"I'm number five in the world. I beat this guy (Blades), then the next guy will need to be a tough fight, then it should me in contention for the world title."
It's a long shot, but that's the story of Hunt's MMA career. He leaves the company happy with the direction of the heavyweight division, with his stable mate Tai Tuivasa showing promise with his knockout debut this year.
He also leaves with no ill feelings toward his employer Dana White.
"I have nothing against Dana, I just don't like the way he does business especially when it involves people's lives."
After a successful kickboxing career in K1, PRIDE and DREAM, Hunt (13-11-1) made his debut for the UFC in September 2005.
He will face Curtis Blaydes (8-1-0) on February 11thin his 16th UFC fight.
Newshub.
