Look up cult hero in the mixed martial arts dictionary, and it will not be long before you run into Mark Hunt. “The Super Samoan” celebrates his 50th birthday on March 23.
Hunt compiled a 13-14-1 record with one no contest across his 29-fight career in Pride Fighting Championships, Dream and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, his run in the sport defined by a remarkable strength of schedule. The 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix winner made his debut against Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida in June 2004—he submitted to an armbar from the Japanese judoka—and went on to face Alistair Overeem (twice), Wanderlei Silva, Mirko Filipovic, Josh Barnett, Fedor Emelianenko, Gegard Mousasi, Junior dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, Stipe Miocic, Frank Mir, Brock Lesnar, Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes.