Why Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Cormier Never Happened?

 

Brock Lesnar Returns To The UFC

When Brock Lesnar returned to the UFC in 2016 after a five-year absence, it opened the door for many opportunities. Even though he was older, his star power allowed him to return for a big-time PPV fight. All this despite being signed with WWE for the majority of his absence, as Brock Lesnar is a special attraction.

Rumors of Brock Lesnar returning to the UFC have circulated for many years. Not long after returning to WWE in 2012, many felt he had unfinished business in MMA. After Brock Lesnar returned to fight Mark Hunt in 2016, a second fight was only a matter of time. Brock Lesnar’s performance during that fight showed he could still deliver in the octagon.

The Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Cormier “Dream Match”

While under contract with WWE, Brock Lesnar attended the UFC 226 PPV, headlined by Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic for the World Heavyweight Championship. When Daniel Cormier called out Brock Lesnar after winning the title from Stipe Miocic, Brock Lesnar stormed into the octagon and got into a brief altercation. Moments later, Brock Lesnar announced his intentions to go after the UFC Heavyweight Championship belt, one of the most memorable post-fight moments.

It appeared at first that this “dream match” would become a reality. With rumors that Brock Lesnar would depart from WWE in late 2018, it was only a matter of time. One should also know that Brock Lesnar was tested by the USADA testing pool multiple times throughout 2018.

Why The Match Never Took Place?

Despite all this, the fight never came to fruition. In late 2018, Brock Lesnar signed a new deal with WWE and continued his wrestling career for several more years. Daniel Cormier would soon lose the UFC Heavyweight Championship back to Stipe Miocic a year later at UFC 241. He ultimately retired from MMA following his defeat at the hands of Stipe Miocic in a trilogy match at UFC 252.

Brock Lesnar may have had aspirations to resume his MMA career, but he’s going to go where he can earn more money, even if it means staying with WWE. According to UFC president Dana White in an interview with ESPN, WWE offered Brock Lesnar a better deal to stay with the company, closing the door on a potential return to the UFC.