LAS VEGAS, USA: The UFC and its parent company Zuffa have sued its former client and MMA fighter Mark Hunt for up to $338,000 in attorney fees after an earlier case by Hunt was dismissed by court.
The court was moved for damages recovery by UFC/Zuffa after it won the case filed by Hunt in January 2017 claiming compensation for contract breach by the promoting company.
Both parties have been embroiled in a legal battle for three years after 45-year-old MMA fighter took the us-based promoter to court claiming to conspiring against him in the UFC 200 fight against Brock Lesnar. Hunt had claimed in the suit that UFC unfairly favored Lesnar and ignored anti-doping regulations by granting him an exemption from routine doping test ahead of the match. Lesnar won the match but was later tested positive for performance enhancing drugs and thus the match was turned into a draw. Hunt claimed a right to $2.5 million winning purse held by Lesnar after his suspension. However, UFC and Zuffa mounted a stringent defence in the court and was ultimately declared innocent on all counts.
Now in the latest case, Zuffa has claimed $338,000 for damages caused to company’s reputation by hunt’s tirades and legal fees incurred during court proceedings in last three years.
Hunt, a New Zealand born Mixed Martial Arts fighter and kick boxer has had an illustrious career marked with prominent victories such as the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix and was considered favorite fighter of UFC chairman in his prime. However, during 2018, he lost his last match to Justin Wills in an uncourteous manner, as his UFC contract came to an end.
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