By Graham "GSM" Matthews As UFC 200 quickly approaches, it seems as if nothing is going right for UFC President Dana White when it comes to what was once believed to be the organization's most loaded lineup to date. First, Connor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz was pulled from the card due to McGregor's unwillingness to make the media rounds. Then, Jon Jones was suspended, causing his scheduled fight with Daniel Cormier to be altered if not abolished all together. Now, Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt might be in jeopardy following the breaking news that Lesnar refuses to do the job for Hunt at the event. The internet nearly imploded at the announcement Lesnar would be returning to the octagon for the first time in nearly five years at UFC 200. It was later revealed he would be going up against Mark Hunt, a well-respected athlete and a seasoned veteran in the world of mixed martial arts. Lesnar will also be making history in becoming the first person ever to compete in the UFC while under contract to WWE. Yet there is a likely chance the contest could be called off unless Lesnar's demands are met. Three things reportedly needed to be in place in order for Lesnar to come back to the company in time for their most historic pay-per-view to date. Firstly, he had to be paid a large sum of money (an exact amount could not be confirmed but enough to pay for his hunting apparel and artillery). Secondly, he would be able to walk to the octagon to his iconic WWE entrance music, "Next Big Thing." And lastly, he had to be booked to go over, but because officials aren't exactly keen on that decision, Lesnar is rumored to be on the verge of pulling out of the fight.
During his previous run in UFC, Lesnar was unsuccessful in winning his last two fights against Cain Velasquez in October 2010 and Alistair Overem in December 2011. Following the latter bout, which he lost in humiliating fashion in under two and a half minutes, he announced his retirement from ultimate fighting. Because he was deemed a loser the last time UFC fans saw him, Lesnar believes he is owed a victory inside the octagon, and if his fight at UFC 200 will nothing more than a one-off, he insists that it is imperative he has his hand raised to close out his career. "I understand where Lesnar is coming from, but Hunt winning is what's best for business," said UFC President Dana White. "I realize Hunt isn't exactly an up-and-comer at 42-years-old, but he is going to be there after UFC 200. What about Lesnar? He's going right back to WWE, never to fight in UFC again." White went on to explain that Lesnar will be a big draw regardless of the result of the fight, whereas they can make a major star out of Hunt if he booked to emerge victorious. It has always been tradition to have the departing athlete job to their opponent, but if anything is apparent, it's that Lesnar couldn't care less for the way things have always been. Early word is that if Hunt won't agree to do the honors for The Beast Incarnate, he will be replaced by newcomer CM Punk, who has always been game for putting over part-timers. SEE ALSO: "RJ's Two Cents - UFC 200, The Ultimate Fighter, and UFC Fight Night Predictions"
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|