The question echoing through the MMA world for years now is Why Is Brock Lesnar Not Fighting Daniel Cormier. Fans have dreamt of this colossal clash, a battle between two of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen. Yet, despite the tantalizing prospect and mutual respect, this highly anticipated showdown has remained perpetually out of reach. Let’s delve into the intricate reasons behind this unfulfilled dream.
The Many Roadblocks to the Dream Match
The narrative of a potential Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Cormier fight is one filled with tantalizing near-misses and significant hurdles. For years, the MMA universe has buzzed with anticipation for this showdown, a contest that promised to be an instant classic. Both fighters are legends in their own right, former champions who have carved out indelible legacies in the octagon. Brock Lesnar, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE superstar, possesses an unparalleled blend of raw power and athletic prowess. Daniel Cormier, a two-division champion in the UFC, is a decorated Olympian and a technical wizard with incredible fight IQ. The clash of these two titans was, and still is, a fan’s ultimate fantasy.
Several factors have conspired to keep this dream match from materializing. Perhaps the most significant is the financial aspect and the contractual complexities involved. Brock Lesnar has always commanded a premium for his appearances, and his WWE commitments often dictate his availability. Cormier, while a loyal UFC fighter, also had his own career trajectory and championship aspirations to consider. Their respective contract situations with the UFC, including Lesnar’s brief return and subsequent departure, created windows of opportunity that were frustratingly narrow. The UFC, of course, plays a crucial role in matchmaking, and the business decisions surrounding such a high-profile fight would have been immense. Consider the following:
- Contractual Obligations
- Financial Demands
- Timing and Availability
- Promotional Considerations
Furthermore, the timing of their potential encounters never quite aligned perfectly. There were periods where one fighter was injured or retired, while the other was active. The sport of mixed martial arts is a fluid landscape, and fighters’ careers have a finite window. For a fight of this magnitude, all the stars need to align. Even when they were both active and seemingly on a collision course, other fights took precedence or circumstances shifted. For instance, Cormier faced Stipe Miocic in a trilogy, and Lesnar retired from MMA. The UFC also had to consider the potential impact on the division, especially when Lesnar’s eligibility for a title shot was a point of contention. The desire for this fight from the fans was undeniable, but the practicalities of making it happen proved to be a formidable challenge.
The career paths and ultimate decisions of the fighters themselves also played a pivotal role. Daniel Cormier eventually retired from professional fighting, making a fight with Lesnar an impossibility. His focus shifted to broadcasting and other ventures, signaling the end of his in-cage career. Brock Lesnar, while still active in professional wrestling, has not returned to active competition in the UFC since his last outing. The risks associated with such a high-stakes bout, especially for fighters in the twilight of their careers or with established lucrative alternatives, are substantial. Ultimately, the dream match between Brock Lesnar and Daniel Cormier remains a tantalizing “what if” in the annals of MMA history, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the myriad of factors that must align for superfights to occur.
To gain a deeper understanding of the intricate negotiations and behind-the-scenes machinations that contribute to major fight bookings, please refer to the detailed analysis provided in the following section.