Coming off a loss to Curtis Blaydes at UFC 221 in Perth, Mark Hunt says he wants former heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou in August in Hawaii next.

Hunt was out-wrestled by Blaydes in the UFC’s first trip to Western Australia in February, but still hasn’t given up on fighting the top-ranked heavyweights in the UFC.

With two fights left on his current contract, the Super Samoan says fighting Ngannou on a card in Hawaii – which hasn't been confirmed, but is reportedly in the works – makes sense.

“We’re looking to see if I can get Ngannou for August in Hawaii – that’d be great,” Hunt told Sporting News this week.

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“Ngannou would be good for me, or (Alexander) Volkov, who just beat Fabricio – if he’s still available.

“I’m just trying to get someone higher than me. I’ve got two fights left, so I’m seeing if I can get Ngannou. I don’t know if they’ve confirmed Hawaii, but it’d be a great match…see who shoots for the takedown first.

“I’ve already asked for a top five guy before, but they didn’t give me anything, so I’m worried about what they’re gonna do.”

Hunt says he was offered a fight in June, but not against a top-five contender.

Ngannou last fought for the title against Stipe Miocic, but was outclassed for 25 minutes, eventually losing a lopsided unanimous decision.

Last December, the hard-hitting heavyweight scored one of the most brutal knockouts of the year against Alistair Overeem.

Including Miocic, Hunt has fought everyone ranked above him except Ngannou, and says he’d even be open to a rematch with former champion Fabricio Werdum.

Hunt fought Werdum on late notice in 2014 for the interim heavyweight belt after then-champion Cain Velasquez pulled out injured. The Brazilian scored a second-round TKO win, and Hunt says it's a result he wants to avenge.

“I fought a guy that was beneath me last time, so I want someone higher now,” he said.

“Even Werdum, I want that rematch, but Ngannou would be a better match.

“Even give me Blaydes again and I’ll have another shot at him.”

When the latest rankings were published this week, Hunt was ranked equal fifth alongside Derrick Lewis, who he beat in Auckland in 2017.

Having two fighters equal in the rankings is not something the veteran has ever seen before, and he’s furious at the UFC’s rankings system.

“It’s weird – I’m equal fifth with Derrick Lewis – how does that work?” he asked.

“That’s rubbish. They got it wrong. These people doing this have no idea – how can you have equal numbered fighters? It just doesn’t work like that.

“It’s supposed to be number one and number two getting closer to title shots, but they’re just giving anyone who wants one a title shot.”

Hunt fought twice in 2017, for a loss to Overeem, and a win over Lewis.

Still hugely popular - especially in New Zealand and Australia - Hunt would be a natural fit if the UFC does confirm a card in Hawaii.