- Case will next be heard in court later this month
Heavyweight UFC legend Mark Hunt has been granted bail after being charged with a domestic violence offence.
Hunt, 52, fronted court on Wednesday on one charge of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm.
The well-known MMA fighter was arrested at a home in the Northern Rivers region of NSW on Tuesday evening after authorities received reports of an alleged domestic violence incident.
He spent the night in custody at Ballina Police Station.
The court heard the complainant was helping Hunt with a task when he allegedly became aggressive.
Hunt is alleged to have behaved in an ‘intimidating and berating manner’, causing ‘fear and distress’ for the woman and a witness.
Mark Hunt (pictured) has been charged with a domestic violence offence
The UFC great (pictured) was arrested in the Northern Rivers region of NSW on Tuesday
Police facts read to the court claim Hunt allegedly previously texted the woman a death threat, stating, ‘I’m just going to murder you in the end anyway.’
Hunt’s legal team disputed the text was sent, and the UFC great has not been charged in relation to the alleged message.
Judge Lisa Viney granted bail on multiple conditions despite a prosecutor opposing the move.
The defence told the court Hunt was likely to plead guilty to the stalking and intimidation charge.
Hunt must return to his residential address in the south-west of Sydney, and not contact the complainant.
His case will next be heard in Ballina Local Court on April 30.
It will be heard alongside an application seeking an Apprehended Violence Order for the woman’s protection.
Hunt is one of the most beloved UFC fighters of all time after a long career in which he became known for his devastating power and signature walk-off knockouts.
Hunt (pictured fighting NRL legend Paul Gallen) allegedly sent a message to a woman stating ‘I’m just going to murder you in the end anyway’
Hunt (pictured) will again face court on April 30 in Ballina
He headlined five UFC events over the course of his career and fought for the interim heavyweight title against Brazil’s Fabricio Werdum at UFC 180.
The South Auckland-born star shared the Octagon with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Stipe Miocic and Brock Lesnar.
He has also fought in a number of boxing bouts, including a loss to NRL legend Paul Gallen by unanimous decision in 2020.
Hunt fought cross-code footy star Sonny-Bill Williams and won via technical knockout 2022.
In his 2015 autobiography, the 52-year-old revealed that he and his siblings suffered a horrific upbringing.
Hunt stated his father constantly beat them and his sister was repeatedly raped.
