News that Brock Lesnar will fight at UFC 200 left many wondering about his WWE contract and what kind of provision it has for him to fight in the UFC.
While we do not know the exact terms and language of it, we do have some insight.
What We Know:
Lesnar signed a three-year deal with the WWE on March 23, 2015. That would put him at 14.5 months into his contract.
At the time he signed his contract, Lesnar said he was still training for MMA and still very much had interest in a comeback. The UFC was trying hard to sign him and even doubled their offer to him according to Lesnar, but the superstar was not swayed.
What is Being Speculated:
Though Lesnar’s deal with the WWE is exclusive, he may have worked an option to fight in the UFC.
Front Row Brian is a very reliable source for all things MMA-related and floated that Lesnar was seeking more money from the WWE prior to WrestleMania 32 and used that as leverage to get the UFC option in his contract changed.
Rumor– a video hyping Brock Lesnar's return to UFC will air during UFC 199 PPV. Brock had a UFC option in WWE deal redrawn prior to Mania
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) June 5, 2016
Rumor– Brock fighting at UFC 200 would -not- mean the end of his relationship with WWE.
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) June 5, 2016
Rumor. Continued. Brock was holding Vince up for money (again) prior to Mania this year. UFC option was part of the compromise.
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) June 5, 2016
Would the WWE be upset about Lesnar fighting in the Octagon?
Lesnar made his fame in the WWE and then helped give the UFC a huge boost by fighting there, so there is little doubt which of the promotions gains more when he fights in MMA. However, the UFC has grown even more in the past four years since Lesnar last fought there, and they have their own fan base and ability to generate headlines. All this speculation means there will be a lot more interest in Brock’s next moves. The more buzz surrounding one of the WWE’s superstars is a good thing, as it should mean higher ratings/more intrigue for programming he appears on. And as our wrestling insider Big Daddy mentioned to us, the organizations could do some sort of WWE/UFC champion co-promotions and branding, which would benefit both companies.
