In the lead up to WrestleMania, most astute fans fully expected Brock Lesnar to drop his Universal championship belt to Roman Reigns due to his contract being up and Dana White announcing he would be back in the UFC. It didn’t work out that way. Brock busted open Reigns, retained his belt, and will still be fighting in the UFC. But who? And when? And where?
As we predicted over the last month or so, Brock is headed right to the top of the heavyweight food chain, even with an 0-2-1 record in his last three matches. According to Sporting News’ Steven Muehlhausen, he’ll take on the winner of the Daniel Cormier-Stipe Miocic heavyweight title superfight this July at UFC 226.
EXCLUSIVE: Well, Vince McMahon broke part of the news I had. Indeed, Brock Lesnar has resigned with WWE. But, from what I have been told by multiple sources, Lesnar signed a new multi-year deal AND will also be allowed to fight in the UFC as hes still under UFC contract.
— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) April 9, 2018
Contd: Lesnar’s been under a UFC contract since the announcement was made he would face Mark Hunt at UFC 200. Lesnar’s WWE contract had options that would have expired in August but McMahon really wanted him to stay as he views him and Rousey as his two biggest attractions.
— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) April 9, 2018
Contd: The plan is for Lesnar to fight one time this year vs the winner between Stipe Miocic-Daniel Cormier fight at UFC 226. Lesnar still has to formally reenter the USADA drug testing pool and finish his suspension which is around 6 months.
— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) April 9, 2018
Brock is a former UFC heavyweight champion, beating the legendary Randy Couture back in November of 2008 for the strap, so he is somewhat deserving even with an 5-3-1 record. A battle with diverticulitis left him reeling, and while he was a formidable foe for anyone in the cage, Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem showed that he could be beaten. He wasn’t quite the monster he once was.
At UFC 200, Brock made his first UFC appearance in five years, defeating slugger Mark Hunt in a three-round war, but then popped for an illegal substance which has led to a year ban. Since he’s still under contract with the UFC, as soon as he re-enters the testing pool, the clock is ticking down and he should be eligible to fight in roughly six or seven months.
As far as his fight with Cormier or Miocic, both men are thrilling fights for Brock. Cormier is hoping to retire within the next 12 months, so if he beats Miocic his likely last fight will possibly be the biggest of his career. For Miocic, he’s made history by defending the UFC heavyweight title more than anyone. Both fights are pure money.
