Kiwi UFC legend Mark Hunt has been awarded the main fight on the card when the franchise makes its Russian debut in September.
Sydney-based Hunt (aka 'The Super Samoan') will face hometown hero Aleksei 'The Boa Constrictor' Oleinik over five rounds on September 15 in Moscow.
Oleinik is a 21-year veteran of the Octagon, boasting a record of 56 wins, 11 losses and a draw. His last 15 wins have come early, with 41 submissions across his career.
"I have a lot of respect for Russian athletes," says Hunt, 44. "I have fought one of the greatest Russia fighters of all time in [Fedor Emelianenko].
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"I think Oleinik will be tough like me, but I will bring my best to this match, and he is going to have a long night if he makes it out of the second or third round.
"My style will win me this fight."
Hunt's heavyweight record (13-12-1) since his 2004 UFC debut isn't nearly as impressive and his relationship with UFC boss Dana White has soured over recent years, especially since his 2016 contest with Brock Lesnar.
The WWE star returned a positive drugs test after his unanimous decision at UFC 200, the result was declared a 'no contest', but Hunt was adamant he should be awarded the full fight purse.
After his previous outing - a first-round knockout against Frank Mir - Hunt's opponent also failed a drugs test and the Lesnar outcome sparked a tirade over drug cheats in the UFC.
Hunt has fought three times since, losing to Alistair Overeem and, most recently, Curtis Blaydes in Ferbruary, separated by a fight-of-the-night victory over American Derrick Lewis at Auckland in June 2017.
This will obviously be a big occasion for Oleinik, 41.
"I am so happy to to be a part of Russian MMA history by head-lining the first UFC event in Russia," he says.
"The fans can expect a legendary event, a legendary name and legendary quality of fights in Moscow - and they will get it!"
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