Take a look inside UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt’s rented $5 million Las Vegas mansion

“Ah, schucks,’’ he grins. “I’m sitting here in this Las Vegas mansion, watching gardeners work in my backyard.

“It’s incredible. And why nothing in life surprises me anymore.

“I’m just waiting now for a pink elephant to fly overhead.”

Indeed, who can blame him?

Unsigned even to fight four weeks ago, Hunt is suddenly three days off the most hyped bout in UFC history - facing WWE megastar Brock Lesnar here in Las Vegas at UFC 200.

Already, the stacked card is being billed as the biggest of all time.

With Lesnar and Hunt the undeniable feature.

Which is why, to help the Sydney slugger through his preparations, UFC president Dana White has secretly gifted Team Hunt the lease on a private $5 million mansion.

Located only minutes from the Las Vegas strip, in the exclusive Tomiyaso Lane estate, this gated property has been home to the fighter and his team for the past three weeks - at a cost to the UFC of more than $50,000.

Apart from housing a 12-man fight team, the luxurious home also stands as testament to the ongoing resurrection of a heavyweight who, not so long ago, was offered $40,000 to quit the company.

And when he wouldn’t go, was then allowed only the one hotel room for overseas fight - which had to squeeze not only the 120kg brawler, but his three cornermen.

Yet not anymore.

Now apart from boasting seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, Hunt’s new digs also house a gymnasium and basketball court. Pool, spa and games room.

Mark Hunt sweats it out at the UFC Gym in Henderson. Image: Ryan Loco

Throw in too, celebrity neighbours like Mike Tyson, Wayne Newton, even the Sultan of Brunei.

“Yeah, Wayne Newton lives in my street,’’ Hunt laughs. “And Mike Tyson, the same block.

“It’s all quite incredible.”

And for further proof, speak with those seven sparring partners also bunkered down at Casa Del Hunt.

A group who, while the 42-year-old slept a few weeks back, went out partying with NBA champions Cleveland - who stopped their private jet in Las Vegas en route from the title win.

“Yeah, the boys were all out in some private booth,’’ Hunt laughs. “Partying and drinking champagne worth $20,000 a bottle.

“They showed me pictures, too, of all this money over the ground. Notes everywhere.

“I said ‘holy s ..., why didn’t you call me?’ … if that were me, I would’ve been on the ground grabbing the cash.”

Mark Hunt and his team ahead of UFC 200. Image: Ryan Loco

Which is a good story, sure.

Yet know the real purpose for this mansion has been Hunt housing a monstrous team including those seven sparring partners - whose night on the town was a rare break from the grind - plus coaches, conditioner, manager and nutritionist.

“Having this place is so important,’’ Hunt says. “Because I could never afford to bring an entire fight team with me.

“I mean, these are all working-class guys who would otherwise have jobs, families, financial commitments.

“Actually, it’s funny ... you could probably say we’ve got the only Las Vegas mansion full of boys with no money.”