Lesnar’s comeback opponent at UFC 200 will be Mark Hunt

Brock Lesnar is returning to mixed martial arts after an absence of nearly five years. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

LAS VEGAS — Brock Lesnar’s opponent for his comeback fight at UFC 200 will be veteran heavyweight Mark Hunt.

The UFC announced the matchup Monday.

Lesnar is returning to mixed martial arts after an absence of nearly five years for the professional wrestler who became the UFC heavyweight champion.

He went back to the WWE in 2012 after consecutive losses and serious health problems, but announced last weekend that he wanted to fight again in the octagon.

Lesnar (5-3) accepted a formidable test in the 42-year-old Hunt (12-10-1), who has stopped his last two opponents with first-round knockouts.

Lesnar won the UFC heavyweight title in November 2008 and defended it twice, but lost the belt to Cain Velasquez in 2010. Lesnar struggled with diverticulitis and other health problems before leaving the UFC.

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