The Doggy Bag: UFC 119 Edition

What can we expect from Mark Hunt in his UFC debut? I don't really understand why he's getting a shot in the Octagon, but it seems like Sean McCorkle is a good opponent for him. What kind of shape will Hunt be in and might there be a chance for him to put some wins together?
-- Andrew from Gainesville

Jordan Breen, FightFinder Czar: There’s a lot to unpack here. First thing is first: Dana White is adamant that the promotion owed fights to Hunt as a result of the Pride purchase. If you'll recall, the promotion were originally looking to sign Hunt in late 2007. What's more likely here is that sensing that the gravy train in Japan was over for Hunt, his management was willing to try to push for those fights they were "owed."

As for his shape: I sat down with Hunt in July, and he was just over 290 pounds. He said he'd already stopped eating fast food and chocolate, and had got a personal trainer for the first time in his fighting career. He told me then that he planned on getting below the 265-pound weight limit on diet and training alone, and had no plans to use the sauna.

Now, based on what he's looked like recently during his last few weeks training at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla., he already looks like he's below 265. His face and torso have slimmed considerably. I'm not sure what the scale will read when he steps on in Indianapolis, but it'll definitely be the best shape that Hunt has been in for a long, long time.

Opponent wise, McCorkle is an appropriate one. McCorkle is a massive guy, over 6-foot-7 and cutting down from super heavyweight. However, he's not the most skilled fighter -- even by heavyweight standards -- and he hasn't had the benefit of facing much worthwhile competition. As you might expect, super heavyweight fights in the Midwest aren't too plentiful, or enriching. So, Hunt should be able to keep the fight standing and create a fight that's right in his wheelhouse.

I don't forecast any kind of serious run for Hunt, though. He's 36, and even if he's getting into better shape and finally putting together real training camps, the heavyweight division is filling up with young, talented fighters who are far more well-rounded than he. Even in his K-1 prime, Hunt wasn't exactly a consistent fighter. He never put more than five wins in a row together, and despite his improbable run to the K-1 World Grand Prix title in 2001, was always more of a fun, mid-card brawler.

So, look for a slimmer, trimmer Hunt to get his hand raised in Indianapolis, and look for him to maintain the kind of easy charm and free-swinging style that made him a fan favorite. But, you won't see him tangling with Lesnar, Velasquez or dos Santos.