This week, it was revealed that former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar was once again a free agent, having not re-signed with the WWE. This announcement led to plenty of speculation with both the UFC and Bellator showing an interest in signing Lesnar. However, opinions differ on whether Lesnar will actually return to unscripted combat and chief among the naysayers is the last man to beat Lesnar in a real fight.

In 2011, Alistair Overeem knocked out Lesnar with a knee to the body at UFC 141, a blow which ended up forcing Lesnar to retire from the sport and return to professional wrestling. Since then, Lesnar has flirted with returning to MMA but, for one exception, has remained with the WWE, and Overeem thinks this time will be no different.

“I don’t think he’s gonna come back,” Overeem told TMZ Sports. “He’s 43 years old. To be honest, I don’t think he’s gonna come back. The last time he came back, it was a debacle so I don’t think he’s gonna come back. I was wrong about the last time though, because I predicted the same thing. It actually did become a debacle, but we’ll see what happens.”

“The last time he came back” is the lone exception to the rule of Lesnar staying with professional wrestling. In 2016, when the UFC was in dire straits looking to boost their UFC 200 card, they managed to secure his services for a bout with Mark Hunt and, as Overeem said, it was a debacle. Lesnar was given a special exemption from USADA’s normal six-month waiting period, which undermined the validity of drug testing in the first place. On top of that, Lesnar failed two drug tests and was allowed to compete anyway, which in turn led to Mark Hunt suing the UFC, Lesnar being suspended and fined by USADA, and Lesnar retiring once again.

Still, such is the appeal of Lesnar that the prospect of his return has led to much fantasy matchmaking with Dana White suggesting a bout with Jon Jones, while others have thrown out a potential rematch with Overeem. But while Overeem didn’t reject the idea, it’s clear he’s not that interested in a hypothetical rematch, in part because he firmly believes it won’t ever happen.

“I beat him up,” Overeem said. “So if somebody wants a rematch, it would be him. I already did it. Why would I chase him? Who cares about Brock? Which fans? He’s not coming back. He’s 43 years old, he’s flunked tests, it’s over with him. He’s not coming back. Last time the waived the testing for him and still he got into trouble. It’s been a debacle. He’s not gonna come back. Listen, if he does, all hats off to him, but I don’t think he’s gonna come back.”

Instead, Overeem can only concern himself with what’s directly in front of him. This weekend, the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion takes on Augusto Sakai in the main event of UFC Vegas 9 as he attempts to make one final run at the UFC title. And though, like Lesnar, Overeem is a little long in the tooth, he says he’s not done quite yet.

“I think I’m the best that I ever was because I’m still learning, I’m still growing,” Overeem concluded. “But at the same time, I’m 40 years old. I still have a couple more fights but probably one, two, maybe three years and then I’m gonna call it quits.”

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MUST-READ STORIES

$$$. Conor McGregor makes Forbes’ 2020 highest-paid celebrities list at No. 53.

HW. Alistair Overeem would be ‘honored’ to face Jon Jones at heavyweight.

Security. Dana White adds ex-Best Buy employee who thwarted TV thief to UFC security team.

Suspension. Deron Winn gets nine-month suspension, fine for amphetamine positive at UFC 248.

Reefer. Jamahal Hill, Tim Elliott and Luis Pena receive reduced suspensions for marijuana positives.

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VIDEO STEW

What the Heck.

Top Pride finishes of Overeem.

Top finishes of Phil Davis’ Bellator career.

Cormier’s Last Dance Finale.

Cowboy Cerrone has an apiary because why wouldn’t he?

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LISTEN UP

Fights Gone By. Discussing the fights that should be happening next.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Statements.

Leon is mad.

Khabib: As Father said: impose your game on him, go to the end, and you will see how others give up.

The champ issuing threats.

We’re all old.

Hoped for better.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ed Herman (24-14, 1 NC) vs. Mike Rodriguez (11-4, 1 NC); UFC Fight Night, Sep. 12.

Sijara Eubanks (5-4) vs. Julia Avila (8-1); UFC Fight Night, Sep. 12.

Claudia Gadelha (18-4) vs. Yan Xiaonan (12-1, 1 NC); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.

Ashley Yoder (7-6) vs. Miranda Granger (7-1); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 14.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Since Monday is a national holiday in the United States, there won’t be a TMR until Tuesday. Enjoy the fights this weekend and see y’all then.

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EXIT POLL

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