Brock Lesnar returns to WWE without UFC contract

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, is expected to make his first and only title defense against former division kingpin, Brock Lesnar, just as soon as the part-time pro wrestler becomes eligible to compete under the guidelines of United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Tentative plans have his return happening in first quarter 2019.

But as of this writing, there is nothing in place aside from verbal agreements, which makes the UFC 226 “shit show” something of a gamble. That’s according to Dave Meltzer at MMA Fighting, who brings word that pens have yet to reach paper for Team Lesnar.

According to sources close to Lesnar, he is still planning on returning to UFC, but appeared Sunday to set up another big pro wrestling match that would take place in an as-of-yet-announced major show in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 2. While he has been in the USADA testing pool, meaning he is serious about returning, he has not yet signed a deal with UFC.

While I’m sure it’s nothing more than a formality at this point, his return to WWE is not without risk. An untimely injury (it happens) or some other unforeseen circumstance in the world of pro wrestling could cost Lesnar — as well as Cormier and UFC — a multimillion dollar payout.

In addition, the promotion only has until March to get it done, if we believe this.

Lesnar (5-3, 1 NC) turned 41 back in July and hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts (MMA) since summer 2016, a unanimous decision win over Mark Hunt at UFC 200, one that was later overturned to a “no contest” by way of creamy feet.

See you in 2019?