WWE/MMA News: Dana White says Brock Lesnar's returning to UFC
What's the story?
The mystery surrounding Brock Lesnar's decision to stay with WWE or leave for MMA was cleared up by UFC President Dana White who said Lesnar will be returning to the UFC.
In case you didn't know...
Lesnar abandoned the gridiron and the squared circle for the Octagon in 2007 and went on to become UFC Heavyweight Champion and one of the biggest draws in the history of the sport.
The Beast Incarnate returned to WWE in 2012 and added more accomplishments to his already-impressive resume, including ending The Undertaker's Undefeated streak and capturing both the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the Universal Championship - a title he has held for more than a year.
The heart of the matter
The decision for Lesnar to leave the UFC doesn't come as a surprise to many, but fans had questioned whether White's comments on Lesnar's return were actually backed by a deal in the works.
Ariel Helwani, a sports journalist with MMA Fighting, confirmed that White's comments on Lesnar's return were based on a deal that is expected to be finalized once his contract with WWE ends.
The news of his UFC return confirms the universal belief that Roman Reigns will defeat Lesnar for the championship in the main event of WrestleMania 34.
Concerns for Lesnar's tenure with WWE date back to 2015 when his contract was set to expire after WrestleMania 31. Many believed his return to UFC would lead to Reigns capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but ESPN broke the news that Lesnar re-signed with WWE for another long-term deal.
Lesnar resumed his MMA career briefly when he defeated Mark Hunt at UFC 200, but the fight was ruled a no-contest after Lesnar's violation of the anti-doping policy was discovered.
Following a fine and suspension by USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission for one year, Lesnar officially retired from MMA in February 2017.
There was a rumor that Lesnar had reentered the USADA testing pool in anticipation of a UFC comeback, but there was no evidence of the former UFC Champion entering the testing pool at the time.
What's next?
Lesnar will face Reigns for the Universal Championship this Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
With White's comments confirming his return, the biggest question after the big show in New Orleans will be when Lesnar signs his UFC contract assuming negotiations go through.
Author's take
This has been the expected result for months and hearing confirmation of the news brings Lesnar's chapter with WWE closer to the end.
Tune in to WrestleMania 34 to see Lesnar in action one last time at a major WWE event.