UFC power puncher Mark Hunt has told Australian media he believes he is just two fights away from a potential heavyweight title shot.
The Kiwi-born Sydney-based fighter is preparing to take on two-time champion Frank Mir in Brisbane next month and says a victory will earn him the right to choose his next opponent in the main event at UFC Fight Night on March 20.
"I'm two fights away," Hunt told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. "If I can get over Frank I can ask for a top-five guy and if I get over him it would be a world-title fight."
Hunt's rejuvenation as a UFC force continued when he beat formidable Brazilian Antonio "Big Foot" Silva in a first round sensation at UFC 193 in Melbourne in November. His momentum had previously been halted after a heavy loss to American Stipe Miocic in Adelaide last May.
Hunt was hoping to fight No. 5 ranked Junior Dos Santos in Brisbane but was happy to take on Mir.