Dana White On Whether Brock Lesnar & Ronda Rousey Will Fight At UFC 300
UFC CEO Dana White made a significant announcement yesterday, revealing the main-event bouts for UFC 297 in January, UFC 298 in February, and UFC 299 in March. That schedule puts UFC 300 on track for April, potentially even with a headline bout featuring Conor McGregor.
Even if McGregor does return for UFC 300, that will not be the case for two former stars of the sport in Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey.
“I get why everybody asks,” said White. “I love that everybody loves them like that, and with so much passion. I do, too. But they’re definitely not coming back for UFC 300.”
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Two of the UFC’s most memorable runs occurred during the height of Lesnar’s and Rousey’s powers in the Octagon. Lesnar fought eight times for the UFC, winning the heavyweight title in only his third bout. Now 46, the likelihood of a return seems slim, but Lesnar is in phenomenal shape–and he is an eternal competitor.
If the Stipe Miocic-Jon Jones heavyweight title bout ever falls apart, Lesnar would have to be one of the considerations as a marquee opponent for Jones. UFC 300 would have been a fascinating opportunity for Lesnar, as he already fought at UFC 100 in 2009 and UFC 200 in 2016. Yet all signs point to Lesnar’s next appearance in the UFC being for a Hall of Fame induction.
“I always had an incredible working relationship with Brock Lesnar,” said White. “It’s funny to say this because he’s such a grouchy dude, but I consider Brock Lesnar a friend.”
The last time Lesnar fought in the UFC was 2016, five months after Rousey’s final bout. Since then, both have starred in WWE. Lesnar’s latest run in WWE was even more spectacular than his original, which is a remarkable feat. Rousey’s run was especially memorable at the beginning, when she made her debut at WrestleMania 34 and then helped headlined WrestleMania 35 a year later.
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Rousey is only 36, but she has not competed in the Octagon since December of 2016. Similar to Lesnar, she also fought eight times in the UFC, winning her first six in spectacular fashion. The first-ever woman inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Rousey put a whole new spotlight on MMA, becoming one of the most recognizable stars in the history of the sport.
“I absolutely love Ronda Rousey,” said White. “She’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with. She’s a pioneer, an inspirational figure for women, and an all-around badass for UFC.”
Headlined by two title bouts, UFC 295 takes place this Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Though White’s current priority is MSG, the UFC matchmakers are not too far removed from UFC 300. But Rousey and Lesnar will not be part of that history-making card.
“I’m focused on Madison Square Garden,” said White. “But no, they’re not coming back.”
