Brock Lesnar's potential return to mixed martial arts may no longer be with the UFC.
News about the former heavyweight champion and current World Wrestling Entertainment superstar had been circulating the web for the past months. Since being given a clean bill of health from his bout with diverticulitis, Lesnar's manager Paul Heyman have hinted on a possible return of the big man.
Lesnar's last MMA fight was at UFC 141 in December 2011, against current UFC heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem. Unfortunately, the contest did not go his way, as he was dominated by Overeem en route to a first round knockout. After which, he decided to walk away from the sport, holding a record of 5-3.
While mixed martial arts fans have repeatedly criticized Lesnar, he has proven himself to be a force to reckon with, and a huge draw, as well. After only three professional fights, he was able to capture UFC heavyweight gold against two-division champion and Hall-of-Famer Randy "The Natural" Couture.
He was also able to defend his title twice, only to lose against current champion Cain Velasquez two years after.
Lesnar's decision to leave the UFC and MMA altogether is believed to be caused by his aforementioned medical condition. And since there had been no bad blood between the UFC's upper management and Lesnar, company president Dana White has repeatedly expressed his intent to re-sign the former heavyweight champion, if the opportunity presented itself.
"If Brock wants to come back; I have a great relationship with him, the door is open for him," White said in a report by MMA Weekly.
The outspoken UFC executive also dispelled any news about Lesnar fighting for another organization, particularly their rival Bellator FC, adding that Lesnar only wants to face top competition.
"Brock wants to fight the best guys in the world," White added. "The best guys in the world are [in the UFC]."
However, Bellator FC Scott Coker himself shot down his rival promoter's claims. In a his interview with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, he revealed to be in talks with the former champion for a possible deal for early next year.
"We've had a conversation internally and it's worth a conversation, but that's something we'll pursue maybe later into January," he said.
