Dana White has said Brock Lesnar is returning to UFC – just days before he defends his WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania.
The Beast Incarnate is set to clash with Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday.
The story building up to the match has revolved around Brock’s lack of respect for the company and the fact his contract is soon to expire.
White previously tweeted a picture of him and Lesnar – wearing a UFC t-shirt – on February 26, the day of WWE’s Elimination Chamber event.
That sent fans into a frenzy, with many dreaming of seeing the former UFC Heavyweight Champion back in the world of mixed martial arts.
White was a guest on UFC Tonight and was asked whether Lesnar would be coming back to the octagon for a fourth stint.
The UFC president said: “Yeah, Brock Lesnar’s coming back. I don’t know when, but yes he is.”
Brock is rumoured to have made it clear to WWE that he does not plan to sign a new contract and will be leaving the company after Mania.
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reports that a new UFC deal is already in place and Dana is confident that Lesnar’s WWE duties will be wrapped up soon.
He last competed in MMA at UFC 200 in July 2016, when the former amateur wrestling champion defeated Mark Hunt via unanimous decision.
However, after Brock tested positive for banned substance clomiphene, he was suspended from the UFC by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for one year.
The 40-year-old was also fined $250,000 and his victory over Hunt was overturned to a no-contest, sparking Brock’s second ‘retirement’ from the octagon.
One of the biggest ever drawing stars in UFC history, Lesnar remains a hugely marketable attraction for whomever can secure his services.
It has been suggested he could appear for both WWE and UFC, but that would require a uniquely complex deal being agreed by all three parties.
Lesnar’s onscreen ‘advocate’ in WWE, Paul Heyman, previously said if his client wanted to fighting in UFC again, then that is what he would do.
He said: “The time away actually makes him better because his body gets a chance to heal.
“The problem with these UFC fighters, and they’re all fantastic athletes, top of the line in the entire world, is that they wear their bodies down in these training camps.
“All these guys that are cutting weight are just destroying their own bodies.
“Brock Lesnar is probably the healthiest fighter to enter UFC, if he decides to do that. He’s always ready.”
Heyman has promised to discuss the situation tonight in full at an ‘evening with’ event hosted by Scottish company Inside The Ropes.
He will be taking fans’ questions at the Joy Theater in New Orleans and has promised nothing – including Lesnar’s status – will be off limits.
