DANA WHITE has once again addressed speculation that Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey will return to the octagon for UFC 300.
Mixed martial arts top promotion’s 300th pay-per-view offering, which is expected to take place in the first two weeks of April, is rapidly approaching.
Speculation over who will headline the historic event has been rife for the last few months, with several legends and current superstars touted for a spot on the card.
Former heavyweight and women’s bantamweight champions Lesnar and Rousey have both been tipped to make appearances on what will no doubt be a stacked card.
But White has shot down the prospect of either legend being in action, telling 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.”
WWE icon Lesnar headlined UFC 100 and made a shock appearance at UFC 200 two years ago.
But White is adamant the 46-year-old’s fighting days are a thing of the past, saying: “I think Brock’s done.
“I don’t think he ever comes back.”
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UFC president and newly-minted CEO White thinks the same of Rousey’s competitive days.
There’s no shot. She’s accomplished everything she set out to do.
“Her dream was to win a UFC championship, then win a WWE championship, and she’s done it.
“Now she’s starting a family.
“Ronda has made so much money, and she’s still making a lot of money in sponsorships.”
Women’s mixed martial arts owes a great debt to Rousey, the first female to sign with the UFC, and the lengths she went to change the perceptions of females competing in the sport.
White said of the 36-year-old: “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-around badass for UFC.”
White holds Lesnar – who captured the heavyweight title in only his fourth pro fight – in a similar regard.
He said: “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.”
