One of the biggest names in the UFC in the late 2000s, perhaps bigger than even Conor McGregor, was Brock Lesnar. Lesnar was arguably the biggest star during the promotion’s rise in the MMA territory. Having debuted in 2008, the human specimen didn’t have things go his way in his first bout. Despite the debut loss, Brock went on to continue fighting and won the heavyweight championship in what was only his 3rd UFC fight.
However, the WWE megastar’s absence from the UFC is still discussed among fans to this date. After attaining the UFC gold, Lesnar went on to defend the title two times, avenging his debut loss against Frank Mir along the way. But, his time as an elite heavyweight started to fade away around 2010 when he lost his belt to Cain Velasquez
Post his 1st round loss to Cain, Brock took a hiatus from the company for over a year. Reports suggested that he was suffering from diverticulitis, something for which he had to undergo painful surgery. Apparently, doctors removed about 12 inches of his colon. Despite the disease being life-threatening, Brock fought through it in his return against a debuting Alistair Overeem. However, he lost the bout in a lopsided beatdown.
Lesnar was nowhere to be seen near an Octagon from 2011 until 2016 when he announced a one-fight deal with the UFC, while still tied to his WWE contract. He fought and secured a decisive victory over Mark Hunt at UFC 200. However, the bout was turned into a No-Contest after Brock tested positive for clomiphene in his pre-fight and post-fight samples.
It is worth mentioning that Lesnar bagged a staggering $2.25 million for his Mark Hunt fight. However, he had to pay $250,000 for the failed drug tests.
Why did Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Cormier never happen?
Surprisingly, the 45-year-old made it to the front row of UFC 226 in July 2018. The night was headlined by Daniel Cormier in his attempt to become a double champ against Stipe Miocic. Soon after DC accomplished his champ-champ status, Brock stormed into the cage upon the former’s callout. The duo cut a great promo for what could have been Brock’s one final outing in the Octagon.
Soon after, rumors started circulating that Lesnar wasn’t a fan of ESPN’s business model with the UFC. However, Dana White cleared the air in an interview by revealing that WWE drew Brock back into their company by offering a better deal and flexible dates. Considering that MMA is a young man’s sport, the chances of a 45-year-old Lesnar making his walk to the Octagon are next to zero
Until the former heavyweight champion ever returns, Brock’s last words in the Octagon will keep ringing in the fans’ ears – “DC, I’m coming for you motherf***er.”
Do you think Lesnar ever makes one final return to the UFC? Let us know in the comments down below.
