Former UFC star Mark Hunt arrested after alleged domestic incident

Former UFC heavyweight contender Mark Hunt has been arrested and charged after an alleged domestic incident in New Zealand.

Hunt, 52, was released Wednesday after appearing in front of a judge. He faces one count of "stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm," according to multiple local news outlets, including Stuff, which also reports the charge came as a result of an alleged death threat texted to a female family member.

The arrest occurred Tuesday in Northern Rivers, and Hunt spent the night at Ballina Police Station. Police allege Hunt also intimidated a witness.

“I’m just going to murder you in the end anyway," police say Hunt wrote in a text to the woman.

Hunt's attorney said his client is likely to plead guilty to the charge. Despite prosecutors' objections, Judge Lisa Viney granted bail to Hunt with a no-contact order pertaining to the victim.

Hunt will be back in court April 30. He has not publicly commented on the incident at the time of publication.

From 2010 to 2018, Hunt competed 18 times in the UFC and compiled an 8-8-1 (one no contest). He fought various other notables including Stipe Miocic, Brock Lesnar, Frank Mir, Fabricio Werdum, and Alistair Overeem. His UFC career came after he rose to notoriety in kickboxing and competed eight times in PRIDE.

In recent years, Hunt has appeared in headlines due to his attempts to sue the UFC for his July 2016 bout vs. Lesnar, who tested positive for a banned substance. Hunt alleged the UFC knew Lesnar was doping but allowed the fight to proceed anyway, putting him in an elevated level danger. However, Hunt's attempts have been dismissed.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC star Mark Hunt arrested after alleged domestic incident