Third Time’s the Charm: 10 Possible Opponents for Brock Lesnar’s UFC Comeback

Brock Lesnar’s USADA suspension will finally be over this year after he tested positive for steroids at the historic UFC 200, and this could be an important event for the promotion. The UFC is currently missing out on all of its biggest stars, yet it seems that Lesnar has had recent meetings UFC president Dana White, and former champion may have a chance to get back in the Octagon later this year. White has vowed that he will get Lesnar, the Diaz brothers, Jon Jones and Conor McGregor to all fight this year, and while this seems unlikely, it is entirely possible the Brock Lesnar may actually get the chance. With that being said, there are quite a few fights that make sense for Lesnar in the stacked Heavyweight division, and I think I have a few suggestions for his comeback.

1. Stipe MiocicImage result for stipe miocic

It may be far fetched to some fans for Brock Lesnar to get a title fight upon his return, but hear me out. Brock is one of the biggest stars the UFC has ever seen, and with this comeback possibly being the last time we ever see the man in a real fight, the matchmakers will want to make the most of it. Lesnar getting that one last shot at the belt could be his perfect swan song, and if he actually manages to beat the monster that is Stipe Miocic, he will be seen as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

2. Daniel Cormier Image result for daniel cormier

Let’s face it, at this point in his career, Daniel Cormier is chasing the money fights. Whether he beats Stipe for the belt in July or not, he may only have a few more fights in him, and will be looking for the best opportunity to make money before his retirement. With that being said, what would be better than a Heavyweight bout with Brock Lesnar? Both men are huge, excellent wrestlers and embrace the WWE style of promoting fights, so this would be everything you could ask for when it comes to a Lesnar return.

3. Jon JonesImage result for jon jones

I know, I know, no one cares about two guys on steroids fighting each other. However, if Dana White is right and Jon Jones gets exonerated of any anti-doping penalty, this could be a logical fight on his return. After he knocked out Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 (a result that was later ruled a no contest due to a failed drug test), Jones immediately called out Brock Lesnar over some kind of beef stemming from their shared situation at UFC 200, and fans were actually buzzing about a possible superfight. Jon Jones, possibly the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, verses Brock Lesnar, the largest man he has ever dreamed of facing. This fight has marketing potential, and if it becomes possible for Jones to fight anytime soon, this could be the direction he’s looking to take.

4. Derrick LewisImage result for derrick lewis

The last time Lesnar came out of retirement, he fought dangerous striker Mark Hunt, and beat him with his wrestling. What if this time when he comes out of retirement, he fights a dangerous striker with good wrestling like Derrick Lewis? This could be a huge money fight for Lewis, and possibly the most dangerous fight Lesnar could take. Derrick Lewis has one punch knockout power, and if Brock Lesnar can’t keep him on the mat, what else can he do to him? This would be an interesting matchup for both fighters, and could serve as a valuable addition to any UFC card.

5. Curtis BlaydesImage result for curtis blaydes

No matter how you feel about him, Brock Lesnar is one of the most unstoppable wrestlers the UFC has ever seen. Therefore, upon his return, what would happen if he fought a younger and more athletic wrestler? Brock is huge, sure, but what is his cardio like? Can he hold down a younger and faster guy? And since both of these men are obviously spectacular wrestlers, will they throw that out the window and just go to war? There’s only one way to find out, and I think the winner of this fight would undoubtedly get a title shot.

6. Francis NgannouImage result for francis ngannou

It’s almost time for Brock Lesnar’s USADA suspension to be up, and one person that wants to take advantage of that is the young prospect Francis Ngannou. Known for his vicious knockout power and horrible takedown defense, he could make a good matchup for Lesnar. Can Francis land that one shot, or will he gas out and get taken down the whole fight? It would be fun to see which man could impose their will more, and I would absolutely sign off on this fight.

7. Fabricio WerdumImage result for fabricio werdum

Both are former champions, both are in the twilight of their careers, and both have severely outgrappled most of their opponents. However, which discipline will win? This fight would pit the greatest Heavyweight jiu-jitsu practitioner of all time against possibly the greatest Heavyweight wrestler of all time, and you have to wonder which one would win out. Brock has been able to take people down with ease his entire career, yet Werdum has so many submissions off of his back that this fight could be over in seconds. In submissions verses ground and pound, this is the best matchup you could make, and I would be ecstatic if this possibility became a reality.

8. Andrei ArlovskiImage result for andrei arlovski

Andrei Arlovski is one of the few fighters to have fought pretty much everyone in the division, and yet still have a ranking next to his name. One of the only people Arlovski hasn’t fought, especially former champions, is Brock Lesnar. This matchup could create and instant classic. Andrei’s vicious striking prowess compared to Lesnar’s relentless wrestling offense could provide fans with a well rounded and entertaining fight, and with both men trying to mount a comeback, this could be a truly plausible path for the UFC to take.

9. Josh BarnettImage result for josh barnett

This could be an interesting fight for many reasons, one of which being how similar Barnett and Lesnar are. Both men are former champions, wrestlers, late in their careers, and coming off of some trouble with USADA. Needless to say, they’re virtually identical, with Brock Lesnar maybe being 30 pounds heavier than Barnett. Not to mention, both guys are going to need big wins to vault themselves back into the mix at Heavyweight, and they could easily use each other for that. Barnett is so evenly matched with Lesnar that I couldn’t choose a winner for this fight, and that means it’s a must for both of their careers.

10. Stefan StruveImage result for stefan struve

The tallest Heavyweight in UFC history at 6’11 1/2″ tall, Stefan Struve has also stepped in the cage against just about everybody. While he might not be as well known as everyone else on this list, I believe he’s more on Lesnar’s level. While he has deadly chokes on the ground and plenty of range to utilize his boxing, Struve isn’t exactly the best in the world. If Lesnar can close the distance and grab a leg, you can pretty much consider the fight over. Even though Stefan has chokes off of his back, I don’t think he could withstand the ground and pound, and this could mean a triumphant return for the major star that is Brock Lesnar.

What do you think? Who should Brock Lesnar fight? Let me know in the comments!

 

Jacob Craig
Jacob Craig
Stand-up comedian, avid MMA fan and disgruntled movie goer. I probably know more about superheros than you do. Men in Black 2 is the greatest movie of all time, change my mind.

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