Brock Lesnar will face fellow heavyweight Mark Hunt at UFC 200. Lesnar made the announcement in an interview with ESPN on Monday morning.
The 38 year old Lesnar will face the 42 year old New Zealander in one of the featured fights on the stacked UFC 200 PPV.
Lesnar, who is still under contract with the WWE, has received the company’s blessing. The WWE announced this in a prepared statement as well as announcing that Lesnar would be at the company’s next big event, Summerslam, a month after UFC 200.
Interesting enough, there is news that Paige VanZant has been contacted about a possible appearance at WWE’s Summerslam.
Payout Perspective:
Could this be a sign of a UFC-WWE talent exchange? Most likely a “one-off” but Mark Hunt is a tough opponent for Lesnar’s return. If Lesnar is KO’d by Hunt, will it have any bearing on his persona in WWE? Moreover, will Lesnar be ready to perform a month later at Summerslam.
Saddened by the news of the loss of Kimbo Slice today. He has brought so many casual viewers to become fans of the sport. RIP big man. You were a giant inside and outside the cage.
Hunt is dangerous but style wise it is an easy fight for Brock which is likely why he decided to fight. Kind of cherry picking. But as a one time thing and kind of short notice it’s understandable.
Hunt is a big guy who isn’t exactly fleet of foot or lightning hand speed. So his chance of landing something big as Brock closes the distance is slim. He also hadn’t shown very good takedown defense. Unless Brock has lost a lot of speed. I don’t see him having much problems. If Hunt weathers the storm and gets back to his feet and Brock’s cardio isn’t very good. Things could get interested. But the old a Brock woukd have an easy win here.
Zuffa wanted to ESPN to break the news of Brock’s return and opponent.
Makes sense as ESPN/ Disney can offer Zuffa ALOT more strategic partnership opportunities than SB Nation can. This include possibly leaving Fox for ESPN/Disney. Lately, it seems like Zuffa is angling for something from ESPN/Disney
I think this is why Dana flipped out on Ariel. Ariel ruined this. It was either that or Dana is just a nutbag.
UFC 200 still not a sell out but getting closer after the Lesnar news. Tickets are still available.