Chieck Kongo vs. Mark Hunt Verbally Agreed to for UFC 144 in Japan

A heavyweight bout between Chieck Kongo and Mark Hunt has been verbally agreed to for UFC 144 in Japan, although independent sources told MMAWeekly.com that no contracts have been signed as of yet.

The event, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 26, will mark the UFC’s first trip back to Japan in 11 years. UFC 29 was the last time the organization held an event in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Kongo was last seen collecting a unanimous decision win over Matt Mitrione at UFC 137 in October. The Frenchman dominated the fight from beginning to end, extending his unbeaten streak to four after getting submitted by Frank Mir at UFC 107 in December 2009.

Hunt’s last time in the Octagon saw him going the distance with Ben Rothwell at UFC 135 in September. The performance was considered sluggish by most critics, but Hunt will surely look to find more praise in Japan. The New Zealander has fought for Japanese fans many times over years in both Pride and K-1 events.

MMAWeekly.com will continue to update the UFC Japan card as more information becomes available.

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