Lesnar’s introduction at UFC 226 on Saturday after Cormier's win created a spectacle-like atmosphereGETTY IMAGES
The UFC is planning to have Brock Lesnar fight Daniel Cormier for the heavyweight title, and Lesnar’s involvement in the title picture despite having just one fight in seven years "suggested to many observers that marketability is now as important as fighting ability in UFC," according to Josh Gross of the GUARDIAN. Fully "embracing UFC’s 'entertainment era' has meant choosing between manufacturing drama, the seemingly easier option, or playing up the real thing, which may not always exist." Lesnar’s introduction at UFC 226 on Saturday after Cormier's win "quickly eroded" the event "from a sporting triumph to a debased spectacle." By any sporting measure, Lesnar "should not have been granted a title opportunity." However, at this stage, UFC fans are "conditioned to root for any fight that makes the most money for the company" (THEGUARDIAN.com, 7/10). In Cleveland, Kevin Kleps noted Lesnar "called out Cormier" after he defeated heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, and the spectacle "looks way more desperate than brilliant." Immediately after Miocic had "been dethroned, the UFC's message was clear: Here's a fight we can sell." The "sad thing is the UFC's ploy will probably work, since there will be considerable interest in Lesnar's UFC return" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 7/9).
BRINGING WRESTLING TO THE OCTAGON: SI's Robin Lundberg noted all the "WWE-esque stuff from the UFC is helping them, at least in the short term." Saturday's night's theatrics hype up a Cormier-Lesnar fight, but the UFC "always has to walk that line a little bit, because it's obviously legitimate competition." Lundberg: "When there's a fight and when there are guys talking smack to each other, that's only going to add to the excitement. ... Lesson learned is that every sport can use a sprinkle of pro wrestling" ("SI Now," SI.com, 7/9).
JANUARY AT THE EARLIEST: ESPN.com's Brett Okamoto noted Lesnar has "officially re-entered the UFC's anti-doping program," and USADA "confirmed Lesnar's re-enrollment into the program." USADA officials said: "Lesnar re-entered the testing pool on July 3. With six months and four days remaining on his period of ineligibility, Lesnar will be able to compete on or after January 8, 2019, should he remain in compliance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy." UFC President Dana White said that the fight is "definitely happening" (ESPN.com, 7/9).
