Brock Lesnar has made enough money to live several lifetimes. So it only made sense for him to go with his heart when deciding to forgo a second run in the UFC and sign a new contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
In many ways, it felt like WWE/UFC version of "The Decision," as the former UFC heavyweight champion arrived on the set of ESPN's SportsCenter in blue jeans and a dark, custom-fitted blazer. One man’s decision was once again the talk of the sports world, and it would have an immeasurable impact on one of the companies vying for his services.
“My legacy in the Octagon is over. However, my legacy this Sunday at WrestleMania will not be my last,” Lesnar said in an interview with Michelle Beadle.
The joyous screams of the WWE Universe could be heard around the world. Lesnar was staying put, thus issuing new life in WrestleMania 31, professional wrestling’s annual marquee event.
BROCK LESNAR MAKE SMART CHOICE FOREVER I RESPECT HIM
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) March 25, 2015
I may work for @WWE now but I’ll always be a fan and as a fan, @BrockLesnar re-signing is incredible. As a competitor…it’s even better.
— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) March 25, 2015
Happy to hear Brock Lesnar has signed a deal w @WWE. Terrorizing the federation for a few more years. Give em hell, champ. #WM31
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) March 25, 2015
BUSINESS JUST PICKED UP!!! @BrockLesnar IS STAYING WITH @WWE !!!
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) March 24, 2015
.@BrockLesnar is a global attraction. Happy to have him re-sign a multi-year contract with @WWE. @espn @MichelleDBeadle
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 24, 2015
It obviously wasn’t an easy decision for a longtime athlete like Lesnar, who ended his professional fighting career in 2011 with consecutive losses.
As for the UFC, no one can say it didn’t go all out in an attempt to bring Lesnar back into the fold.
According to Greg Beacham of The Associated Press, Lesnar claimed the UFC offered him “10 times” what he was being paid during his first stint with the company. UFC President Dana White and UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta gave a last-ditch negotiating effort over the phone all the way up to Lesnar’s arrival at ESPN’s downtown Los Angeles studios:
Lorenzo said to me, ‘Can we sharpen our pencil? Can we double it.’ I said, ‘It’s not about that. I’m calling you to tell you where my heart is, and it’s not about the money.’ And then in the back of my mind, I’m thinking, ‘Well, yeah, it is about the money, but I don’t have to beat myself up for it.’ To prepare for another MMA fight, we’re talking 16, 18 weeks of pure hell, and then the cage door shuts and it’s on.
Lesnar, who turns 38 in July, exceeded expectations after announcing his decision to compete professionally in MMA back in April 2006. He joined the UFC a couple of years later and defeated Hall of Famer Randy Couture for the heavyweight title. After a couple of defenses, his run was finally ended by current champ Cain Velasquez.
Health concerns were the main reason Lesnar decided to hang up the gloves so early. During his run, he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, an intestinal disorder that required multiple surgeries.
Lesnar’s decision to return to WWE ultimately factored in the risks as well as the rewards.
Jordy McElroy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA writer for Rocktagon and FanRag Sports.
