Former UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt was arrested in Sydney, Australia on April 15 and later released on bail in connection with a domestic violence-related criminal charge.
Police charged Hunt with one count of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm. Authorities alleged he sent a text message to the alleged victim stating, “I’m just going to murder you in the end anyway.”
According to police allegations, the conduct involved an “intimidating and berating matter” that caused “fear and distress” to the alleged victim. Hunt spent the night in custody at Ballina Police Station following his arrest.
His next court date is scheduled for April 30, when an application for a protection order to keep him away from the alleged victim is also set to be heard. A statement in connection with the case emphasized that “just because he’s a retired UFC fighter does not mean he is a domestic violence offender.”
Hunt is a former UFC heavyweight who fought Fabricio Werdum for an interim title in 2014. He also faced Brock Lesnar at UFC 200 in a bout later overturned to a no-contest after Lesnar tested positive for a banned substance. Hunt later filed a lawsuit against Lesnar and the UFC that was dismissed, with a three-judge panel affirming the dismissal in 2025.
