The MMA Ten keeps you updated on the latest news from the world of the UFC and beyond. This week: Brock’s back, news on CM Punk’s UFC debut, Paige VanZant to the WWE and much more.
Brock’s Back. He Is?
UFC 199 was utterly amazing, but the big hubbub in the world of MMA this week revolved not around any in-cage performances, but the news broken by respected journalist Ariel Helwani, who reported that Brock Lesnar was returning to the sport and would fight at UFC 200.
The UFC likes to break their own news at the time of their choosing, and they were upset that Helwani spoiled their announcement. His scoop forced the UFC to make the Brock announcement during the UFC 199 broadcast, and it was even news to commentator Joe Rogan. Watch:
Speaking of WWE Crossovers…
UFC strawweight and Dancing with the Stars fan favorite Paige VanZant could be the next UFC star to take a gig with the WWE. Multiple reports this week suggest the WWE has entered into talks with the 22-year-old to appear at this year’s Summerslam event. There’s no word yet on what her role might be.
The last active UFC fighter to appear at a WWE pay-per-view was Ronda Rousey, who made a splash at Wrestlemania 31 appearing with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, where she roughed up Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.
Speaking of WWE Crossovers, Part Deux
FloSports writer Jeremy Botter reports that former WWE superstar Phil Brooks, aka CM Punk, will make his long-awaited MMA debut at UFC 202 in August, a mere 20 months after signing with the promotion. Brooks, who has never competed in MMA at any level, needed time to train and learn, but also had back surgery that delayed his debut even more.
I’m still wondering how a state athletic commission will approve a pro MMA fight for a guy that has never competed in any combat sport. As for Brooks’ chances in beating opponent Mickey Gall? He is currently listed at +250.
Like a Good Neighbor
Dan Henderson survived getting rocked by Hector Lombard early in their UFC 199 fight. After weathering the storm, Henderson delivered an elbow that put Lombard out. At age 45, Henderson is the oldest fighter in the UFC, and he received a hero’s welcome from his neighbors after his big win.
Hendo vs. Bisping II?
Henderson and Michael Bisping both won at UFC 199, and they have fought once before. Henderson delivered what many consider to be the best knockout in UFC history when he put Bisping’s lights out at UFC 100. It became the subject of many memes. Like this one:
Henderson has fought at both middleweight and light heavyweight, and both fighters want to run it back. That would be an incredible matchup.
Could Bisping, now aka “Left Hook Larry” avenge his brutal KO loss or would the ageless wonder Henderson put Bisping to sleep again? This is just in the rumor stage right now, but I can see it happening, even if Bisping’s middleweight title is not on the line.
You Can Call Me Al
One of the ways fighters get jacked up for fights is with their walkout music. They want something to inspire and motivate them on their way out to the cage, and song selection can certainly say a lot about the fighter. One of the funniest choices was Roy Nelson walking out to Weird Al’s Fat back at UFC 117.
But perhaps the worst song selection ever occurred recently when MMA fighter Aziz Karaoglu fought for KSW in Poland. His walkout song? The Al-Qaeda anthem Na’am Qaatil.
When KSW officials were later informed what the song represented, they terminated Karaoglu’s contract and also fined him. Good luck to Karaoglu finding another promotion to fight for.
Robbie Lawler, Soul Eater
They don’t call him “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler for nothing. Case in point:
BRB, just peed myself a little.
Your Head Kick of Death of the Week
Bislan Etleshev registered a sick knockout at ACB 40 in Russia.
UFC 200 Update
With the addition of Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt, the UFC 200 card is complete, and it’s glorious from pillar to post. It will feature two title fights, a fight for an interim title and some amazing matchups.
Here is the full UFC 200 card:
Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier – UFC light heavyweight title fight
Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar – UFC featherweight interim title fight
Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes – UFC women’s bantamweight title fight
Travis Browne vs. Cain Velasquez
T.J. Dillashaw vs. Raphael Assuncao
Derek Brunson vs. Gegard Mousasi
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Johny Hendricks
Takanori Gomi vs. Jim Miller
Sage Northcutt vs. Enrique Marin
Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Lauzon
Julianna Pena vs. Cat Zingano
There is not a snoozer on the card. Every fighter on this card is known for their aggressiveness and desire to finish fights. This will be an amazing night of fights.
RIP Kimbo Slice
It’s saddening whenever someone loses their life too soon, especially when they leave behind children. Slice’s last opponent was Dada 5000, who almost died in the cage when they fought at Bellator 149. He left a touching tribute to Slice on Instagram.