Yesterday afternoon, reports of a thrilling UFC 209 heavyweight rematch between recent title challenger Alistair Overeem and fan favorite knockout artist Mark Hunt began to swirl. The bout seemed to mark the end of Hunt’s long, anti-UFC tirade, which stemmed from the PED bust of his UFC 200 opponent Brock Lesnar, and the UFC’s apparent lack of concern about this bust.
This matchup was announced by the UFC, and reported by many major MMA news outlets, including Hunt’s own website, where quotes from Hunt about the rematch were featured. Apparently, however, this fight is not a done deal just yet.
According to the ever-reliable Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com, Hunt still wants a steroid clause included in the bout’s contract.
I’d hold the phone on any Hunt-Reem 2 talk. Hunt still wants that clause in his contract & says he won’t fight anyone if they don’t add it.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 21, 2016
This clause would essentially guarantee Hunt 100% of his opponent’s purse if they tested positive for banned substances. Apparently, the UFC’s failure to introduce this clause into his contract is what nixed a planned bout with Junior Dos Santos earlier this year.
“They offered me another fight, I think it was in Canada against [Junior dos Santos],” Hunt said in an earlier interview with MMAFighting.com. “I said I’ll take this fight if you put in a clause saying that if he is doping, then I get all of the money.”
“The answer was no.”
Hunt confirmed Monday morning with Helwani that unless this clause is tacked onto his contract, his reported bout with Overeem will be KO’d too.
https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/811586629760651265
Given Overeem’s past transgressions – he’s been flagged for massively elevated testosterone levels in the past – Hunt’s concerns certainly have some merit. From the perspective of a fan, however, his refusal to fight is undeniably unfortunate.
Do you think an anti-steroid clause is a fair ask from Hunt, or are his demands somewhat excessive? Make your voice heard in the comments section. Sound off, PENN Nation!