Both WWE and UFC fans have been wondering for months whether former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar would make a comeback to the Octagon soon, and it seems that the answer is yes.
In a report by GiveMeSport.com, Lesnar might transfer to the UFC from WWE. This is considering how both companies are reportedly losing in terms of pay-per-views. WWE launched its own network but PPV sales dropped. In 2014, the company is bound to lose about $40 million. The UFC, on the other hand, has been experiencing troubles due to injured fighters who were supposed to appear in its main events.
Dave Meltzer of MMA Fighting wrote, "Today's company [WWE], almost entirely due to the gamble of starting its own network, which has nearly killed its pay-per-view business, as well as cut down on its own web site income significantly, is, based on current projections, looking at $40 million in losses this year."
Bloody Elbow reported that Lesnar is currently in a contract with WWE, valued at $5 million. However, a return to the UFC can be an economically viable move for both companies.
GiveMeSport.com also wrote that there are issues with Lesnar that might affect his performance such as his ripe age of 39 and history of diverticulitis. It is still a question of whether his life-threatening disease can suddenly recur if he gets involved in an intense training program to prepare for the Octagon. However, experts speculate that regardless of the possibilities, his comeback overall would definitely aid in selling tickets and creating huge hype.
Geno Mrosko of CageSideSeats.com said, "Lesnar, though he may not look it, is a savvy businessman with great representation. He's already leveraging WWE against a possible return to the UFC for another run in its heavyweight division.
Lesnar's last run in the UFC ended with two consecutive first round knockout losses to Cain Velasquez -- who still holds the heavyweight championship -- and Alistair Overeem, respectively. Typically, losing in such convincing fashion would kill any fighter's drawing power, but both Lesnar and UFC President Dana White have been working the angle that Lesnar never fully recovered from his various bouts with diverticulitis."
MMA Fighting also reported how Lesnar would be a "godsend" for the UFC today in the same manner that he was in 2007 when he asked for a chance to fight in the Octagon and became the biggest drawing card of UFC in the next three years.