Mark Hunt has seemingly exhausted all his legal avenues after his lawsuit against the UFC, Dana White, and Brock Lesnar, initiated following his bout with Lesnar at UFC 200 in 2016, was once again dismissed.
On Tuesday, a panel of three judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Judge Jennifer Dorsey`s earlier decision to dismiss Hunt`s case against his former promotion. The lawsuit initially alleged battery, fraud, and conspiracy, ultimately focusing on claims that the UFC deliberately misled him and matched him against an opponent using performance-enhancing substances.
Hunt originally lost the fight via unanimous decision, but the outcome was later changed to a no-contest after Lesnar failed a drug test for clomiphene, a substance prohibited at all times for UFC competitors.
The court panel, in its ruling, again sided against Hunt, confirming Judge Dorsey`s 2023 decision that had dismissed the remaining claims the former heavyweight contender had against the UFC.
Quoting the decision, the court stated, “Unfortunately, Hunt does not point to any evidence in the record of any physical, emotional, economic, or reputational damage or harm attributable to Defendants-Appellees’ conduct.” The ruling further noted that while Hunt claimed such evidence existed, he admitted in his brief and at argument that it had not been “adequately presented.” At the summary judgment stage, the opposing party must provide evidence of a genuine material fact for trial and cannot simply hope to develop evidence later. The decision concluded that without evidence of damages from the defendants` alleged wrongful conduct, the ruling against Hunt must be upheld.
After multiple unsuccessful appeals, Hunt eventually lost his legal representation and proceeded to represent himself in the case.
The lawsuit had initially been dismissed, but was later reinstated when the Ninth Circuit Court granted Hunt the opportunity to pursue claims of fraud and battery, allowing the discovery phase to proceed.
However, that attempt also failed after Judge Dorsey again dismissed the claims, stating that Hunt was “unable to provide the necessary evidentiary support for his theories.”
Now, her decision has been affirmed by the appeals court, effectively bringing an end to Hunt`s lawsuit against the UFC. He is reportedly still responsible for the legal fees incurred during the case.
Reflecting on the initial decision in 2023, Dana White had reacted by calling Hunt “delusional” and predicted he would have to pay legal fees. With this latest court ruling, it appears Hunt`s lawsuit has reached its definitive conclusion.
