Brock Lesnar Poised for UFC Comeback, Rousey Snubbed

Brock Lesnar is at the center of buzz surrounding a potential UFC comeback, with a historic UFC White House event planned for 2026. While former bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has hinted at a return, insiders now predict that Lesnar, the heavyweight giant known for his imposing presence, is more likely to headline the occasion. The focus on Lesnar highlights his enduring physical condition and reputation within the MMA and wrestling worlds.

Chael Sonnen Champions Lesnar Over Rousey for UFC White House Spotlight

Chael Sonnen recently voiced his preference for Brock Lesnar taking the spotlight at the upcoming UFC White House event, downplaying Ronda Rousey’s comeback chances. In a YouTube video, Sonnen criticized the portrayal of Rousey’s training, saying,

“And when you’re talking about somebody that can just walk out there for this incredible entrance, you see a video surface on Instagram of Ronda claiming she’s doing MMA when she is, in fact, hitting mitts like a boxercise class.”

– Chael Sonnen, co-host

At 38 years old, Rousey has embraced life beyond fighting, focusing on family, WWE appearances, acting roles, and writing. Nevertheless, she remains open to returning to mixed martial arts, recently sharing glimpses of her training just weeks after giving birth to her second child.

She described her early comeback training with coach AJ Matthews, writing on social media,

“The first clip is my first session working with [coach AJ Matthews]. I was super self-conscious, embarrassed of how much I regressed, and honestly trying my very best not to p** my pants throwing punches so soon after having baby Pā’ū. Second clip was yesterday, I’ve never laughed or smiled so much on the mat as I do these days.”

– Ronda Rousey, MMA fighter

Despite her progress, Sonnen suggested Rousey is chasing the thrill of her competitive prime when he commented,

“But in her mind, right, she’s had 20 good years and she’s going to spend the rest of her life and she’s going to try to get back to those 20.”

– Chael Sonnen, co-host

In contrast, Sonnen praised Lesnar’s physical condition and ongoing involvement in combat sports under the TKO banner, stating,

“Meanwhile, one guy that is in shape, one guy that does still (air quotes) compete, one guy that is a physical specimen, one guy that looks the same as he did when he left is Brock Lesnar. And he’s doing the same thing under the same umbrella of TKO.”

– Chael Sonnen, co-host

Although Lesnar has not fought in the Octagon since 2016, his physique and presence have remained remarkably consistent. His recent WWE return sparked surprise and enthusiasm among fans, recalling his imposing tenure in the UFC heavyweight division where he dominated elite fighters like Randy Couture and Frank Mir, capturing the heavyweight title in the process.

The combination of Lesnar’s size, wrestling pedigree, and larger-than-life character make him an ideal candidate to headline a spectacle-driven event like UFC White House. His crossover success in both MMA and pro wrestling amplifies his draw beyond traditional sports audiences.

Daniel Cormier Highlights Lesnar’s Impact on WWE and UFC Legacy

Daniel Cormier, a former UFC and WWE champion who faced Lesnar in the Octagon in 2018, recently shared insights on why Brock Lesnar remains so compelling in both arenas. Cormier recalled Lesnar’s formidable presence, saying,

“He looked big. I think he looked strong… He’s mean as crap. He’s beating up on everybody. He beats the refs. He beat up on Michael Cole the other day. Bro, how you gonna beat up on Michael Cole? He picked Cole up. Cole goes, ‘He picked me up like I was a little boy.’ He goes, ‘I’m a heavy man.’ Brock is like carrying him in the ring.”

– Daniel Cormier, fighter

For Cormier, Lesnar’s appeal extends beyond mere physicality to a genuine authenticity born from his success as a UFC heavyweight champion. He emphasized this in his commentary:

“The one thing that Brock Lesnar always brought to that product is a realness because he was the UFC heavyweight champion. I think that when people see him, they think this guy really could beat me up. I think that’s what’s special about Brock Lesnar.”

– Daniel Cormier, fighter

This authenticity and the blend of athleticism with spectacle could make Lesnar’s UFC comeback particularly impactful, especially during a landmark event like UFC White House. Promoter Dana White and the UFC may be seeking a figure who embodies both athletic credibility and entertainment value, something few can match as well as Brock Lesnar.

The Broader Significance of Lesnar’s Potential Return to UFC

Lesnar’s possible return to the UFC reflects the ongoing tension between nostalgia and current competitive realities within mixed martial arts. His lasting physical condition at age 48 suggests he could still perform at a high level, making him a rare example of longevity in a physically demanding sport.

Meanwhile, Rousey’s gradual return highlights the challenges athletes face in balancing personal life and the demands of top-tier competition after extended absences. While she remains an icon and inspiration in women’s MMA, the UFC’s focus on Lesnar signals a preference for spectacle and guaranteed draw at a milestone event.

With UFC White House on the horizon, the upcoming fights are likely to blend high drama, crossover stars, and memorable matchups aimed at expanding MMA’s audience and cultural impact. Brock Lesnar’s potential comeback fits this vision, offering fans a chance to see a living legend back in action while casting new light on the UFC’s evolving landscape.