More details are coming in regarding Brock Lesnar’s surprise return to UFC. While there’s no confirmation yet regarding who Lesnar will face at UFC 200 on July 9th, heavyweight slugger Mark Hunt is considered the most likely opponent. Aside from Hunt, Jim Ross’ NJPW broadcasting partner Josh Barett and former Lesnar opponent Shane Carwin are openly campaigning for the gig:
I could do retweets all night but one thing is clear, people want to see me lock up with Brock Lesnar. Talk him into it @HeymanHustle. @ufc.
— ??? ????????? (@JoshLBarnett) June 5, 2016
For everyone blowing up my phone, yes I would take this fight @UFC 200. I would love to knock Brock out. Any time, any place
— Shane Carwin (@ShaneCarwin) June 5, 2016
While the announcement of Brock Lesnar returning to the octagon in a month’s time seems like a short-notice decision, Lesnar has reportedly been training for the fight since shortly after WrestleMania 32.
Last week, several fans noticed that Brock Lesnar’s UFC fighter bio was briefly added to the “Active Roster” section at UFC.com, but was quickly pulled. UFC President Dana White was asked about Lesnar returning at Friday’s UFC 199 weigh-in from Vegas, but dismissed the rumor.
Fans have joked that Brock Lesnar is fighting again for UFC before CM Punk made his UFC debut. Dave Meltzer of f4wonline.com notes that Fox Sports 1 is working on a reality show focusing on CM Punk’s UFC debut against Mickey Gall. That series is scheduled to air in August, indicating that Punk will debut in late August or September.