Mark Hunt headlines UFC Fight Night in Auckland

Derrick Lewis and Mark Hunt (Supplied)
Derrick Lewis and Mark Hunt (Supplied)

The UFC has confirmed that Mark Hunt will headline the company's second visit to Auckland on June 11 against American Derrick Lewis.

The event, to be held at Vector Arena, will also feature two middleweight title contenders battling it out as Australian Olympic judo medallist Daniel Kelly will take on Derek Brunson.

Kiwi-born Hunt has never fought in front of his home crowd in MMA - and will be facing an uphill battle in besting the 32-year-old Lewis.

'The Black Beast' is currently riding a six-fight win streak that dates back to 2015 and recently he easily disposed of former top heavyweight contender Travis Brown, stopping the Hawaiian in the second round with a barrage of punches.

Ranked sixth in the division, a win over Hunt would likely vault Lewis into title contention with the belt on the line next month between former champion Junior dos Santos and champion Stipe Miocic.

Hunt will be looking to bounce back from a devastating loss to Alistair Overeem earlier this month when the 43-year-old was knocked out late in the fight.

The Australian-based striker is currently in the midst of a legal battle with his employer following his UFC 200 no-contest with drug cheat Brock Lesnar.

UFC senior vice president Joe Carr said the company is thrilled to be heading back to New Zealand shores.

"We have seen tremendous growth and interest in UFC across New Zealand since our first live event in 2014," Carr said. 

"Coming back to Auckland, especially with Mark Hunt to compete in his home town for the first time in 16 years, is definitely something our fans should be excited about." 

The event, to be held at Vector Arena will also feature two middleweight title contenders battling it out as Australian Olympic judo medallist Daniel Kelly will take on Derek Brunson.

Former flyweight title challengers Joseph Benavidez and John Moraga have also been announced for the event, with the former fighting Australian prospect Ben Nguyen and the latter taking on Ashkan Mokhtarian.

Additional bouts for are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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