The UFC put a stacked offer on the table, but Brock Lesnar decided to stay put in the WWE.
While rumors of the former UFC heavyweight champion’s return to the Octagon circulated for months on sites like MMAWeekly.com, the speculation ended Tuesday as Lesnar announced he had re-signed with the WWE and officially retired from MMA during an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The news undoubtedly came as a letdown to the UFC, as The Beast Incarnate had been the promotion’s biggest star and had raised the organization to new levels of visibility during his three years under the Zuffa banner.
Yet, despite missing out on wrangling the heavyweight juggernaut for one more run on the biggest stage in mixed martial arts, UFC President Dana White had nothing but well wishes for his former champion. White spoke to TMZ Sports on Thursday and shared his belief that Lesnar ultimately made the correct move.
“I think it’s the right decision. I’m happy for him,” White said. “I think Vince gave him a deal he couldn’t refuse at the right time in his life.”
The UFC’s heavyweight division has experienced several surges of talent over the past decade, but there is no denying the exposure had peaked when Lesnar roamed the divisional ranks. The 37-year-old Minnesota native was a guaranteed draw in the pay-per-view realm as he bridged the gap between MMA and legions of professional wrestling fans.
While other heavyweights such as champion Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos have filled the physical void Lesnar left behind, no fighter on the promotional roster since his departure has matched the amount of attention he brought to a card. Nevertheless, White holds no hard feelings for how the situation played out.
“I’m happy for Vince. I’m happy for Brock and I’m happy for his family. It’s a great deal for everybody.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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