In a recent statement, UFC CEO Dana White has officially confirmed that neither Brock Lesnar nor Ronda Rousey will be making their comeback at the highly anticipated UFC 300 event scheduled for April 2024. Despite swirling rumors, both iconic combatants will not be partaking in this event.
Brock Lesnar is renowned for his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion in the UFC. He last appeared in the Octagon in a main event showdown at UFC 200 in July 2016. This marked his return after a brief stint in professional wrestling with the WWE.
However, his win over former interim title challenger Mark Hunt was later changed to a ‘No Contest’ following a positive PED test for clomiphene.
Since then, Lesnar has been linked with potential matchups against former two-weight champion Daniel Cormier and the reigning heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. Despite the speculations, Lesnar has yet to make a definitive move back into the Octagon.
Furthermore, White claims that neither Lesnar nor Rousey will compete at UFC 300 the following year.
Dana White recently told Sports Illustrated: ““I get why everybody asks. 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.”
“I always had an incredible working relationship with Brock Lesnar. It’s funny to say this because he’s such a grouchy dude, but I consider Brock Lesnar a friend.”
He further added, “I absolutely love Ronda Rousey. She’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with.”
“She’s a pioneer, an inspirational figure for women, and an all-round badass for UFC. I’m focused on Madison Square Garden. But not, they’re not coming back.”
Ronda Rousey’s most recent appearance in the Octagon was at UFC 207 in December 2016. The highly anticipated match ended in a brutal opening round TKO loss to former two-division champion Amanda Nunes.
Rousey has recently been linked with a potential return to mixed martial arts, especially in light of her expected departure from WWE.