The UFC press conference before Sunday bout between Mark Hunt and Derrick Lewis.

Mark Hunt insists he is not feeling any extra pressure as he prepares to make his long-awaited mixed martial arts debut in New Zealand.

Thirteen years and 25 fights since he joined the world of MMA, the Kiwi combat sports legend will finally get to showcase his skills in his hometown of Auckland when he headlines UFC Fight Night on Sunday.

The Australian-based heavyweight last fought on these shores in 2001, when he suffered a points defeat to Aussie Peter Graham in the K-1 New Zealand Grand Prix, and expectation his high among his legion of fans that he will put on a show.

CHRIS MCKEEN/FAIRFAX MEDIA The last time Mark Hunt fought in New Zealand was at a kickboxing promotion 16 years ago.

But regardless of where the bout is taking place, that is exactly what he plans to do.

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"There's no pressure on me," Hunt said.

CHRIS MCKEEN/FAIRFAX MEDIA Mark Hunt (right) and Derrick Lewis face off ahead of Sunday's showdown in Auckland.

"I'm going to go out and throw down, doesn't matter where it is. All I worry about is whether I put on a good performance and give myself to the octagon, that's all I'm happy with.

"If I come up short then so be it, that's the way it is."

Hunt (12-11-1, 1NC) enters Sunday's showdown at a crossroads.

While he still has four fights remaining on his current UFC deal, at 43 years old questions are beginning to mount about how much more punishment his body can take, particularly following the brutal knockout to Alistair Overeem in March.

However, a win over Lewis (18-4 1NC), the hottest fighter in the division with six consecutive wins, would prove he is still very much a force to be reckoned with.

Talk of a match-up between the two knockout artists first eventuated when Lewis called out the 'Super Samoan' following his most recent win over Travis Browne in February.

Generally regarded as one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC, it's not often that Hunt has people lining up to touch gloves.

But the former K-1 world champion did not take it as a sign of disrespect.

"It's probably because he was underneath me at the time, now I'm underneath him. I'd do the same thing, I'd call out guys who are higher than me so he's a smart guy," said Hunt, who is ranked seventh in the heavyweight division, one spot below Lewis.

"We'll both put in a good performance - I know I'm going to. If I don't then I'll be carried out or wheeled out but I'm good with that."

With tickets still available for Sunday's event, Hunt had some calling out of his own to do as he urged fans to pack out Spark Arena.

"I don't know why it hasn't sold out yet. You Kiwis, what's going on, man?" he joked.

"My first time here in the big show in good old little New Zealand, it's going to be a great show."

The official weigh-ins take place on Friday night before a public ceremony at the fight venue the following morning.

Confident in his preparation, Hunt has no doubt he will make weight.

"Feeling great, looking great," he said. "Couple kilos to go and it's time to duck and weave baby."