Morning Report: Dana White talks the return of Brock Lesnar and a move to MMA for CM Punk

While we weary MMA fans trudge on, the inescapable rumors surrounding former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and his possible return to fighting persist. According to UFC president Dana White, Lesnar isn't happy with how his short-lived MMA career ended in 2011.

"He wants to," White told TMZ Thursday. "He feels like, because of his illness that he had while he was [in the UFC], he wasn't 100%. He'd like to take another run at it so we'll see what happens."

Asked if a return to fighting would mean leaving professional wrestling behind, White doesn't think that would need to be the case.

"I think he wants to do both. He's doing well over [in the WWE]. When his schedule opens up I think he'd like to fight."

After reports surfaced this week that WWE superstar CM Punk could also be interested in transitioning into MMA, Dana White seemed completely unaware during his UFC 169 pre-fight media scrum.

"I was with him all night in Chicago [for UFC on FOX 10], but he never said anything to me about it," says White. "I like him. He's a great guy. [35] is a little late to get into the game, but who knows if he can fight. I don't know. We'll see what happens. But I like him a lot. He's a nice guy."

White did, however, perk up upon hearing the pro wrestling standout had walked out on the WWE and owner Vince McMahon.

"He quit? Really. Hmm. He hasn't said a word to me. He hasn't reached out to me. I was with him all night in Chicago. He never said a word about it. He just showed up. We talked about lots of things. Fighting was not one of them."

While I doubt we see either man step inside the Octagon, I'd imagine Lesnar's possible return to be slightly more probable than seeing a millionaire white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu make his UFC debut at 35.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Dana scrum. Dana White covers all bases in his UFC 169 pre-fight media scrum.

Pena Injury. While Dana White claims TUF winner Julianna Pena was ‘attacked' at gym, her teammate Sam Sicilia explains how the injury happened.

Chael vs. Wandy. It looks like Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva could be booked alongside Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort this summer.

To 155. Dana White says he would love to see Jose Aldo move up to compete at lightweight.

Roy Nelson, shirtless, desert. The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi in April with Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira serving as the main event.

MEDIA STEW

Make sure to check out interviews with Aldo, Faber, Barao, Lamas, Overeem and Mir ahead of UFC 169.

Quick Jose Aldo vs. Ricardo Lamas preview.

New Tommy Toe Hold.

Forrest Griffin on GSP's exit and the pressures of being UFC champ.

In depth with Marina Shafir.

Urijah Faber breaks down Renan Barao.

I'd like to thank Under Armour and Roots of Fight for the shirts. So soft. Now, purely by coincidence, check out this awesome video.

Alan Belcher checks in from Rio.

Long watches.

UFC 81: Breaking Point (Mir vs. Lesnar, Sylvia vs. Nog)

Press Row with Jordan Breen and Luke Thomas

TWEETS

Pena roundup.

To the "training partner" of @VenezuelanVixen Chris Weidman just said he would luv u to come for a workout at PowerMMA! I will fly u out!

— Dana White (@danawhite) January 31, 2014

@EPIC_ALEXANDER her knee dislocated, while she was trying to hit a standing switch and her foot stuck in the mat

— Rick Little (@SIKJITSU) January 31, 2014

Daily Chael update.

PET IDIOT MISSING! ANSWERS TO THE NAME "STUPID." REWARD FOR CAPTURE AND RETURN. RECENT PHOTO ENCLOUSED. pic.twitter.com/iGv8UcbBtT

— chael sonnen (@sonnench) January 31, 2014

Cleared.

Got some good news today!!!!!!...... Can you guess what it is?. Let's just say I'm gonna step my training up 😃👍

— michael (@bisping) January 30, 2014

Brutal.

Dinner is served.. #UFC169 pic.twitter.com/ty0BVI6QSj

— Tom Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) January 30, 2014

Yes.

Just did my first casting call. Hope the hard work pays off. Now time to go train. #motivation #Relentless #unbreakable

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) January 30, 2014

So hitting on Miesha didn't work.

That coward @BryanCaraway is so scared of @RondaRousey that he pulled off #UFC170 for injury cuz she's main event? #Loser #Poser @danawhite

— Timmy Gorman UFC (@TimmyGormanMMA) January 30, 2014

Here's the link if interested.

"@ufc Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy will be doing a @Reddit_AMA tomorrow from 3pm ET/12pm PT. - Do your worst. pic.twitter.com/47LMlKUmdc

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) January 30, 2014

Strange to see him with hair.

GSP is in the next Captain America movie as Baltroc. #photo #mma #ufc http://t.co/OtRPRiNeYh

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) January 30, 2014

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Jan. 30 2014)

Bethe Correia vs. Jessamyn Duke at UFC 172

Vaughan Lee vs. Nam Phan at The Ultimate Fighter China Finale

Mark Bocek vs. Evan Dunham at TUF Nations Finale

Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

Travis Browne vs. Fabricio Werdum at UFC on FOX 11

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes via Roberto Arellano.

Dark horse Ricardo Lamas looks to dethrone Jose Aldo. Well, why not?

Only four days away from the biggest night in Ricardo Lamas' (13-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) career, he must be relieved. On Saturday, Lamas will finally have the chance to challenge Jose Aldo (23-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) for the UFC featherweight title. Of course, for most people, having to step inside the octagon opposite a fighter who is regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world does not sound particularly exciting. But for Lamas, UFC 169 represents the opportunity to bring to fruition his dream of proving he is the best in the world.

"(In 2012) Hatsu Hioki was actually offered a title fight before he fought me," Lamas recalls. Hioki, however, thought it best to take one more fight before challenging Aldo for the title. Unfortunately for Hioki, the fight was against Ricardo Lamas who ended up taking a unanimous decision victory over the top contender and therefore derailing the UFC's plans.

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Check out the rest of the post here.

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