Morning Report: Brock Lesnar not giving up on a return to the UFC

Though a return to the UFC doesn’t appear to be in Brock Lesnar’s immediate future, the former heavyweight champion isn’t ruling it out.

Lesnar made his UFC debut in 2008 after a successful stint in the world of professional wrestling. He went on to claim the UFC heavyweight championship when he knocked out Randy Couture at UFC 91. After he defended his title over Frank Mir at UFC 100, Lesnar was sidelined with a case of diverticulitis. He returned and defended his belt one more time against Shane Carwin before losing it to Cain Velasquez. After another loss to Alistair Overeem, Lesnar retired from MMA, in part due to the toll diverticulitis had taken on him. Then, after a five year hiatus from MMA, Lesnar returned to the UFC for a “one-off” fight at UFC 200, winning a unanimous decision over eighth ranked Mark Hunt.

After the bout, speculation was rampant that Lesnar would return to MMA full time. Despite the rumors, Lesnar returned to the WWE and headlined WWE SummerSlam on August 21. Ahead of his WWE match this past weekend, Lesnar spoke briefly with TMZ sports, addressing whether he would ever return to MMA.

“I’ve got a few challenges to overcome before I can get there. I don’t know. For right now, I’m gonna focus on my WWE career. I wanted to step back into the octagon and avenge my loss against diverticulitis. Sunday I’m facing Randy Orton at Summerslam and that’s really all that’s on my mind.”

The “challenges” Lesnar speaks of are his failed drug tests resulting from his UFC 200 appearance. Lesnar failed an out-of-competition drug test performed by USADA on June 28 as well as an in-competition test taken at UFC 200; both failures were for hydroxy-clomiphene, an anti-estrogen agent. Lesnar was tested 8 times in the lead up to UFC 200 and passed multiple tests before his failure on June 28.

Lesnar’s first hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is set for tomorrow, August 23. It is expected that he will receive a temporary suspension until a full hearing can be held. Lesnar faces a two years suspension and fines from the NSAC, which would possibly end the career of the 39 year old Lesnar. However, Lesnar told his fans not to give up hope.

“To my fans that watch me in the octagon, I thank them for their support. This has been a bumpy road. I’m gonna get through this alright. And there will be a day, maybe, that they’ll see me back in the octagon.”

MUST-READ STORIES

Results. UFC 202 happened this weekend. Here are the results.

That means it’s next. Dana White says a trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz isn’t happening “right now”.

Chasing paper. Nate Diaz says he won’t fight again until he and Conor McGregor “go for round 3.”

Sit back. Anthony Johnson unconcerned about Jon Jones taking his title shot, says Jones can “sit back and wait.”

Promises. Cody Garbrandt says Dominick Cruz woke up a “beast” and vows to knock him out.

EXTRA CREDIT READING

Technique. Patrick Wyman of Bleacher Report does a technical recap of UFC 202.

MEDIA STEW

Road to the Octagon: Maia-Condit

Post fight show with the …

continue reading in source www.mmafighting.com