Brock Lesnar has been toying with the idea of returning to the UFC on and off for the past several years, and it sounds like he may actually be making his return to the Octagon.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported on Saturday that Lesnar is in negotiations with the UFC about fighting at UFC 200 on July 9. Helwani described it as the two sides being in “serious talks” and that they are “close to finalizing a deal.” Helwani also said that Lesnar’s opponent is not close to being finalized, but that might not be accurate. First off, they must have some potential opponents in mind considering the card date is only a month away.
Also, MMA insider Front Row Brian says the opponent may be revealed on Monday.
1more thing on Brock. Best I know his opponent will not be revealed in the promo video for UFC 200 tonight. That will happen Monday on ESPN
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) June 5, 2016
The report of Lesnar possibly fighting at UFC 200 led many to question the status of his contract with the WWE. Lesnar is in the second year of a three-year deal with the WWE.
Lesnar is one of the biggest draws in UFC history. The former UFC heavyweight champion began fighting in the Octagon in 2007 and claimed the heavyweight championship in his fourth professional fight when he beat Randy Couture in 2008. He successfully defended his title twice before losing two fights in a row and stepping away from the Octagon. He has not fought in the UFC since the end of 2011, when he lost to Alistair Overeem.
Lesnar battled diverticulitis at the time but has flirted with the idea of a return many times since. So while the report is surprising, it should not be entirely shocking.
