By Tim Summerville
Check out Radio Live Sunday from 2pm as Andrew Gourdie and James McOneie chats exclusively to Mark Hunt on fight day on Saturday Sport.
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have been erased from the marquee outside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, leaving South Auckland’s own Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar as the faces of UFC 200.
Sunday’s showdown with Lesnar was already going to be the biggest fight of Hunt’s career, but with Jones’ shocking removal from the card last night, it’s suddenly a whole lot bigger.
But Hunt’s taking his elevation to the top of the card in his stride.
"I’m disappointed at what happened to the main event," Hunt said at this morning’s open workout. "I’m disappointed for Daniel Cormier, but I’m always ready to fight."
Hunt worked out in a sweat suit this morning, sparking some fears that his weight cut may not be going to plan. Hunt admitted that he is still cutting weight, but making the UFC’s 265lb. heavyweight limit will not be an issue.
"Just too much cheesecake, I guess," he joked, while adding that this weight cut is nothing like the one in Adelaide last year, where Hunt had to lose 11kg in a single day before a sluggish TKO loss to Stipe Miocic.
Hunt is well aware of the magnitude of this weekend’s fight and what a win over Lesnar can do for his career.
"This fight is really important. The whole world is watching this fight. It’s great for the Mark Hunt brand.
"I know a lot of people are here to see Brock, but I’m sorry, I’m going to spoil the party for you guys."
Brock Lesnar was even more relaxed than Hunt. He chose not to work out for the fans, but took the time to answer questions.
Lesnar said he only found out about Jones’ failed drug test this morning and isn’t concerned about his position on the card.
"Merry Christmas to Brock Lesnar, I guess," was his reaction.
Newshub.
