The idea of Brock Lesnar returning to MMA has been around for years. It has never gained real traction. Now that he is retired from pro wrestling, why not make another MMA comeback?
According to Chael Sonnen, there is a number that could make it happen. And it is not small.
“I’m here to tell you right now, there is a dollar amount,” Sonnen said.
He pointed to a potential matchup with Francis Ngannou as the right kind of stage. Especially with streaming platforms looking to make a splash.
“I don’t know that sum. $25 million would be very close. There is a dollar amount where Brock Lesnar will fight on Netflix against Francis Ngannou.”
A comeback tied to opportunity
Lesnar is now 48, and has been absent in the world of MMA since 2016. His last appearance, however, ended in a no contest after a failed drug test following a bout with Mark Hunt. Despite that, his résumé still includes wins over top heavyweights like Randy Couture, Frank Mir, and Shane Carwin.
Sonnen believes retirement is not always final in combat sports.
“He just has to be given the opportunity”
“When somebody says they’re retired, it just means, ‘I don’t have opportunities in front of me right now.’”
Questions about legacy and motivation
Sonnen also raised questions about how Lesnar views his legacy at this stage.
“Does he want to be known as the guy that used to be a pro wrestler?”
He compared that identity to Lesnar’s accomplishments in amateur wrestling.
“That would certainly get you more notoriety and more attention, (more than) being an undefeated NCAA champion, two-time NCAA finalist, Big 10 champion.”
“But it wouldn’t be the same purity of that attention. It wouldn’t be as sincere or as organic.”
Sonnen then turned back to MMA and where it fits into that picture.
“And then, where does MMA fit into it?”
“I just wonder how he sees himself, I really do. I wonder if Brock is going to come back now that he’s got all this time on his hands.”