Lesnar’s UFC return only a ‘one-off opportunity,’ says WWE
Brock Lesnar. Photo from WWE.com
Brock Lesnar is set for a return in the UFC but that doesn’t mean he won’t be appearing in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The WWE released a statement following the confirmation of the Minneapolis native’s return to the Octagon, noting that his UFC comeback will be a one night only instance.
“Brock Lesnar remains under contract to WWE. However, he has been granted a one-off opportunity to compete at UFC 200,” the statement read.
It also stated that following his match at UFC 200 on July 9 in Las Vegas, Lesnar will make his return to the squared circle at SummerSlam on August 21 in Brooklyn.
The 38-year-old heavyweight’s inclusion in the blockbuster fight card came months after the postponement of the original main event which was initially a rematch of UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and lightweight Nate Diaz.
Instead, Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones will headline the card in a title unification match for the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Meisha Tate also defends her UFC women’s bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, while Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar finally go at it in a featherweight duel.
Lesnar’s opponent is yet to be named, but this marks his first UFC fight since losing to Alistair Overeem in December 2011 at UFC 141.
In earlier interviews, Lesnar has floated the idea of a possible mixed martial arts comeback.
He stated in a podcast with Stone Cold Steve Austin last October that he feels he still has an unfinished business in the UFC.
“It wasn’t a bluff,” he said. “I felt robbed by diverticulitis. I felt robbed by being sick. I was feeling good and it took me a couple years to start feeling good. I’m at home, I’m working out. My life is great, everything’s in tune. My contract’s coming to an end with WWE. Hey, it’s been a great time, but something’s missing.”
“I was up front and totally honest with the company and told them I’m really thinking of pursuing getting back in the Octagon.”
Lesnar is a former UFC heavyweight champion, beating Randy Couture for the belt back in November 2008. He carries a 5-3 professional MMA record before returning to the WWE in 2012.
