Kiwi UFC fighter, Mark Hunt has knocked out Antonio Silva in the first round.

Kiwi MMA star Mark Hunt says he has no fears over long-term health damage from his job and is prepared to die fighting.

The 41-year-old has just started his training camp on the Gold Coast as he prepares for his next UFC assignment against American heavyweight Frank Mir in Brisbane on March 20.

In a lengthy interview with Submission Radio Hunt made it clear he was aware of the possible consequences of his job, but he certainly didn't worry about them.

GETTY IMAGES Mark Hunt (right) and Antonio Silva during the celebrated UFC blood bath in Brisbane in 2013.

When taking fan questions he was asked if he was concerned about the ramifications of damage from taking too many hits to the head.

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Hunt had a horrific loss a year ago in Adelaide where he received an estimated 361 punches from opponent Stipe Miocic that left him with a closed eye and battered face.

Hunt didn't shy away from the subject.

"You're not gonna live forever," Hunt told Submission Radio. "You're gonna die like everyone else. But to be honest, no I don't care what happens to me. I mean, I don't really care what happens to Mark Hunt. I mean, we're all destined to die, that's for sure. So if I die doing what I love to do, that's fine. So be it, I'm happy."

And age is no barrier. He says 41 "is just a number" and he's giving hope to older fighters with his enduring success

Hunt's UFC contract is drawing to a close but he remains determined to try to win the heavyweight title before he finishes.

He would like to have " two to four" fights this year if results go his way. He believes if he can beat Mir, he could target a top five opponent to manoeuvre his way towards a title shot by the end of 2016.

"It's not my choice who or where I fight ... but I hope to fight for the title."

Hunt knocked out Antonio Silva in Melbourne last November to snap a two-fight losing streak. He is ranked No 9, one place above Mir, whose career also hangs in the balance at the age of 36.

Mir lost his last fight to Andre Arlovski after having won his two previous bouts on top of four consecutive losses.

It's a make or break fight for Mir and Hunt knows his opponent will be desperate, looking to bolster his punching power to go with his respected wrestling.

"I like Frank. He's a great fighter, he used to be the UFC champion. He has improved his striking ... everyone has to evolve, his striking has got better. But I'm one of the best strikers on the planet. I'm really interested in organising what I want to do."

He had little doubt that Mir would try to take the fight to the ground where the American's best skills lay.

"I will go on the ground with anybody if the party's going there, that's where we will go, but I'm not going to be cautious about anything. I think this will be a great fight, it's a matter of who can impose their game."

Hunt was in the best condition of his life for his last win, having done an extensive training camp in Thailand.

Hunt, notorious for his weight battles, risks slipping back into some old habits if he can't hold his focus on the Gold Coast.

He promised he will be in shape come fight night.

He said his decision about training in Australia rather than returning to Thailand was mainly about being closer to his family who are based in Sydney and just a short flight away.