Mark Hunt will fight for the UFC's interim heavyweight title against Fabricio Werdum in the main event of UFC 180 in Mexico next month following the withdrawal of champion Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez (knee) was due to defend his crown against Werdum, the No 1 contender, on November 16 but, instead, a surging Hunt, fresh off a knockout victory over Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan, will have the chance to become the first New Zealander to hold a UFC belt.
"I feel blessed to have this opportunity to fight for another world title. This is something that doesn't happen often to people. First K1 and now UFC - how can I say no, even though it's on short notice? I'm dropping everything and flying to Mexico tomorrow so I can best prepare myself for this fight. I have to get into shape and acclimatise to that environment, which is really important," the 10-8-1 Hunt said in a statement.
"There's nothing to lose when you're competing against the best at the top level."
The 40-year-old Hunt, a former champion kickboxer, has enjoyed a lengthy career in combat sports and adding a UFC crown - even if it is an interim one - to his list of achievements would be impressive.
