Dana White Says Door is Open for Brock Lesnar, But Ultimately It’s Up to Brock
After losing to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 in December 2011, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar said, “Tonight was the last time you'll see me in the Octagon.”
It’s been nearly three years since that night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and Lesnar may have changed his mind.
During Monday’s “The Time is Now” press conference, UFC president Dana White said that the WWE superstar is interested in fighting again. Reportedly, the 37-year-old former titleholder’s contract with the biggest pro wrestling organization ends in April 2015.
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During a recent interview with On The Record, White said the UFC is interested in a potential return of Lesnar, but, ultimately, it’s up to Lesnar.
“When Brock is ready, he’ll come back, if he’s ready. If he’s ready, he’ll come back. If not, he won’t,” said White.
Questioned whether he feels like he needs to re-sign Lesnar at all costs, White didn’t see it as that type of situation.
“He was huge for us, but I don’t think that way. It’s not like, oh my God, we have to get Brock Lesnar back. This is fighting. You have to want to fight. You have to want to do it. If Brock wants to come back; I have a great relationship with him, the door is open for him. And if he doesn’t, I wish him all the best,” said the UFC president.
The Las Vegas-based fight promotion’s brand is bigger than any one athlete. Superstars eventually retire and new stars emerge. It’s the nature of sports. The opportunity is there for Lesnar to return, if he wants to.
