Let it never be said that the UFC is without a plan. Ever since Conor McGregor’s recent “retirement” everyone has wondered what the UFC would do for a main-event for UFC 200. Now we know: the return of Brock Lesnar. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion will make his return to the Octagon, fighting …someone. The original plan was JDS but now the rumors are MARK HUNT!!!
(For the record: we hinted at this MONTHS ago)
Where this leaves Lesnar with WWE is speculation but he does have a contract with the company, though rumors were always that he had a clause permitting him at least one fight with the UFC if he desired. Having previously headlined the biggest UFC PPV of all time, UFC 100, the poetry of his return is almost one etched by fate. BROCK LESNAR IS FIGHTING AT UFC 200!
Brock Lesnar vs WHO CARES!?! Headlines UFC 200
Former champion dos Santo was the original opponent, and that would’ve made sense. He and Lesnar were originally scheduled to face one another in June of 2011, having coached opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter Season 13. However, a flare up of diverticulitis sidelined Lesnar. The disease, which had clearly taken something from Lesnar would keep him out of action until he lost his last fight, a December 2011 KO from Overeem.
However, with JDS’s surgery, he’s obviously out of the picture. The rumor, according to sources, is Mark Hunt. Which would be big. Frank Mir, which we pull out of our asses, is even bigger.
Word has been that the disease had passed and Brock was feeling as good as ever. Nonetheless, he will still be 39 at when UFC 200 comes around.
Whether this will be a full time return to MMA is a mystery, but given his age and physical condition, it would be a surprise to see Lesnar make a long run. Still, one fight at UFC 200 and then maybe a title challenge or rubber match with Frank Mir at the UFC MSG debut would suddenly allow fans to say, “Conor who?”
I think we can safely say UFC 200 will set the new PPV buy record for UFC. I figured that wasn’t happening with Conor off, however, I guess Dana had Brock already in discussions so he was more inclined to tell Conor to go to hell. Dana is smarter than people give him credit for it seems.
Dana always has multiple irons in multiple fires.