Mark Hunt`s extensive legal challenge against the UFC, its president Dana White, and fighter Brock Lesnar, which originated from their bout at UFC 200 in 2016, has seemingly reached its final conclusion.
On Tuesday, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a prior decision by Judge Jennifer Dorsey. This ruling once again dismissed Hunt`s lawsuit against his former promotion. The suit initially brought forth allegations including battery, fraud, and conspiracy, ultimately focusing on claims that the UFC knowingly allowed him to fight Lesnar, who later tested positive for performance-enhancing substances.
Lesnar had originally won the fight via unanimous decision. However, the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Lesnar failed a drug test, testing positive for clomiphene, a substance banned for athletes at all times by the UFC.
In their latest decision, the appeals panel ruled against Hunt, confirming Judge Dorsey`s 2023 dismissal of the remaining claims brought by the former heavyweight contender. The core reason for the dismissal, as stated in the judgment, was Hunt`s failure to present sufficient evidence of damages.
The decision highlighted, “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.” It further noted that despite acknowledging such evidence might exist, Hunt admitted it had not been “adequately presented” during the summary judgment phase, where concrete evidence is required to proceed to trial.
The ruling emphasized, “At the summary judgment stage, the nonmoving party must present evidence showing there is a genuine issue of material fact for trial… Absent evidence of damages resulting from Defendants-Appellants’ allegedly wrongful conduct, we must affirm.”
Following multiple failed appeals, Hunt eventually lost his legal representation and ended up pursuing the case representing himself.
The lawsuit experienced a temporary revival after an initial dismissal when the Ninth Circuit Court granted Hunt the opportunity to pursue fraud and battery claims, allowing for a discovery phase. However, this effort also failed when Judge Dorsey again dismissed these claims, stating Hunt was “unable to provide the necessary evidentiary support for his theories.”
With Judge Dorsey`s decision now affirmed by the appeals court, Hunt`s lawsuit against the UFC is effectively concluded. He is also reportedly responsible for covering legal fees related to the case.
When the initial dismissal occurred in 2023, UFC President Dana White commented on the news, calling Hunt “delusional” and predicting he would have to pay legal costs. This latest court ruling appears to confirm that outcome, bringing an end to Hunt`s prolonged legal challenge.
