Kiwi Mark Hunt to headline UFC card in Auckland, say reports

Hometown hero Mark Hunt will headline the New Zealand UFC Fight Night card against Derrick Lewis in June, according to reports emerging from the U.S.

Online aficionados MMA Junkie claim that a match-up between the two heavyweights is being targeted for the main event of the card scheduled to take place at Auckland's Vector Arena on June 11, and that the bout is all but verified.

A UFC spokesperson also confirmed with Newshub on Tuesday morning that their intention is to have the South Aucklander as the event's marquee attraction.

The South Aucklander would still need to secure clearance from the mandatory medical suspension imposed after injuring his leg during his knock-out loss against Alistair Overeem at UFC 209 earlier this month in order to make the fight official.

Potential opponent Lewis, known as 'The Black Beast', has made quite an impression on the heavyweight division over the past 18 months, with his intriguing combination of show-stopping power and dry, unfiltered wit proving a draw card for fans.

He's currently amidst a six-fight win streak which includes five knock-outs, his last victory a second-round finish of one-time title contender Travis Browne after which he wasted no time calling out Hunt as his preferred next opponent.

In contrast, 41-year-old Hunt will be searching for his first win in his last three bouts following losses to Overeem and WWE superstar Brock Lesnar, the latter retrospectively ruled a no contest following the revelation of performance-enhancing drugs in the American's pre and post-fight tests.

Further detail regarding the event's undercard is expected to be released in the coming weeks, with lightweight Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker another local likely to feature.

Newshub.