UFC: Hunt moves up another spot in rankings

Kiwi fighter Mark Hunt knocked out American Roy 'Big Country' Nelson at UFC Fight Night 52. Photo / Getty

Mark Hunt has moved up to No 4 in the UFC's heavyweight rankings.

The rankings are updated weekly and Hunt, who last appeared in the cage when he knocked out Roy Nelson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan last month, has switched places with American Stipe Miocic who drops to No 5.

In the UFC, champions aren't ranked, just the contenders, which effectively means Hunt is perceived as the world's fifth-best heavyweight behind titleholder Cain Velasquez and top fighters Fabricio Werdum, Junior dos Santos and Travis Browne.

Velasquez will defend his world championship belt against Werdum at UFC 180 in Mexico next month.

Meanwhile, the UFC recently confirmed that Englishman Ross Pearson will meet Al Iaquinta in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 55 in Sydney on November 8.

Hunt had asked for a bout at the show across the Tasman in his adopted hometown following his victory over Nelson. But with the announcement of the lightweight fight between Pearson and Iaquinta it means the Sydney-based Hunt may not appear in the UFC again until next year.

Kiwi middleweight Dylan Andrews will meet Sam Alvey at the Sydney event that will be headlined by middleweight contenders Luke Rockhold and Michael Bisping.

Auckland-born Australian Robert Whittaker will make his debut at middleweight after moving up from welterweight when he tangles with Clint Hester.

James Te Huna remains out of action following shoulder surgery.