![mark hunt]()
This week the UFC announced that
Brock Lesnar had been given an exemption from the USADA's rules on drug testing so he can compete at
UFC 200. His forthcoming opponent,
Mark Hunt, is not happy, and has accused the former Heavyweight Champion of being "
juiced to the gills."
Mark Hunt is easily one of the most popular fighters in the history of MMA. His laconic manner and simple approach to fighting- "I just knock the bloke out"- echoes with the everyman in the crowd. But despite being regarded as one of the nicest guys in the sport outside the Octagon, he speaks just as plainly as he fights, and he had a few choice words about Brock Lesnar when asked about their forthcoming fight.
The news that Lesnar was set to return to the promotion was a shock announcement at UFC 199. Shortly therafter 'The Super Samoan' was named as his opponent, returning to the promotion on a one-off one-fight deal. However, new strict USADA regulations demand that a fighter be tested regularly out of competition four months before a fight.
The UFC announced that, in response to queries on this matter, the former champion had been issued with a waiver. The USADA does allow exemptions from the four month rule, "...in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an Athlete."
This justification has not gone down at all well with Hunt, however. Speaking with
UFC Fight Week on Fox Sports Australia, he gave this damning assessment of the decision and of Lesnar himself:
“I don’t think that’s fair. I think it’s load of bulls**t, I think it’s rubbish.
“I don’t think anyone should be exempt from testing. If they’re trying to clean the sport up — mixed martial arts — this is a bad way to do it. I don’t care who you are. It’s ridiculous.
“I don’t think it’s a great move. I think he’s juiced to the gills, and I still think I’m going to knock him out. So I don’t think that’s correct. I don’t think he should be allowed to get a four-month exemption otherwise everyone else should. Otherwise I should start juicing.
“How are you going to clean the sport up doing that s**t? It won’t happen. I don’t think it’s fair.”
“I’ve already voiced my opinion to Dana about it but apparently he has been getting tested but he’s probably been off a couple of cycles anyway.
...“He’s a smart guy and I think he’s going to play games for a bit and he’ll be trying to take me down covering his punches. If he wants to charge like a crazy person, come. I’ve got the crazy for you right here.
“He’ll probably be super strong being juiced to the gills but it doesn’t mean anything, man. I’m ready for anything he has."
Brock Lesnar Vs Mark Hunt will appear on the main card at UFC 200, at the
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 9th July.
