Mark Hunt (left) is frustrated with the issues preventing him from making his way to the U.S. for his UFC 160 fight with Junior dos Santos. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC 160 heavyweight Mark Hunt is facing some hurdles in trying to get to the United States from New Zealand for his fight with Junior dos Santos.
Hunt revealed on Twitter early Thursday morning that he was denied boarding a flight to the U.S., and the reason stems from helping some “mates” that he has some not-so-nice opinions of.
“This is wat happens wen u have friends that are d—heads,” Hunt wrote. “Denied again at airport.”
Hunt wrote Monday on Twitter that he might miss his flight due to visa issues, which ultimately ended up being the case, as he subsequently wrote that he would spend another night in New Zealand.
The fighter later revealed to MMAjunkie.com that an event in 2002 was behind the recent delays in flying to the U.S. He added that UFC officials are attempting to assist with his travel problem, and he expects to fly out some time tonight, Thursday (U.S. time).
“Getting real tired of this (expletive),” a frustrated Hunt posted on Twitter.
Hunt and dos Santos are expected to be the co-main event for UFC 160 in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by a heavyweight championship match between titleholder Cain Velasquez and Brazilian Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
If dos Santos defeats Hunt in their co-main event, the former heavyweight champ will likely face the winner of Velasquez and Silva. The same hasn’t been confirmed with a win by Hunt, however, as UFC President Dana White has flip flopped on whether or not he’ll get the shot with a win over “Cigano.”
UFC 160 takes place on May 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
