Three Fights For Brock Lesnar To Take Next

After nearly five years away from the sport, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar made his triumphant return to action in the co-main event of last weekend’s (July 9, 2016) UFC 200 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Ending his previous UFC tenure due to a brutal battle with Diverticulitis, Lesnar claimed that he was healthy and rejuvenated, and he appeared to be just that.

Taking on legendary knockout artist Mark Hunt, Lesnar had a difficult task on his hands, and many were counting him out. However, “The Beast” coasted to a somewhat dominant unanimous decision victory, looking fantastic in the process.

In the aftermath of the win, Lesnar left a door open for a possible future with the UFC despite his return being previously billed as a ‘one off’ fight given his current contract with WWE. If he does indeed decide to stick around, Lesnar, now ranked at No. 8 in the heavyweight division, will likely be in line for a huge fight.

Let’s take a look at three possible fights for “The Beast” to take next:

Cain Velasquez

After a disappointing loss that cost him his title and yet another injury setback, former UFC heavyweight king Cain Velasquez also made his return at UFC 200, and he showed up in vintage form, running through Travis Browne in the very first round of their main card opener.

Now back to his winning ways, Velasquez may be in line to face the winner of September 10’s title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and No. 4-ranked Alistair Overeem, but if he doesn’t receive that opportunity, a bout with Lesnar could make sense.

Lesnar and Velasquez have actually faced off once before back at UFC 121 in 2010 for Lesnar’s then held title. Velasquez would end up destroying Lesnar via first round TKO and stealing the strap, although it was during this time that Lesnar was struggling with his illness.

Now healthy, Lesnar admitted at the UFC 200 post-fight press conference that he would ‘absolutely’ be interested in a rematch with the Mexican-American. And what better fight to see how far Lesnar can take his second UFC tenure than a clash with a man many still consider to be the ‘baddest man on the planet’.

Junior Dos Santos

If Velasquez ends up receiving a title shot, a bout with fellow former champion Junior Dos Santos would also make quite a bit of sense for “The Beast”, and not just because “Cigano” called Lesnar out in the aftermath of UFC 200.

The Brazilian slugger recently returned to form with a dominant victory over the previously surging Ben Rothwell last April. Dos Santos underwent shoulder surgery after the fight, but he should be ready to make his return near the end of 2016 or perhaps in early 2017 which could work well for Lesnar given the fact that he’ll be competing at WWE’s Summerslam later this summer.

Dos Santos would provide an interesting test for Lesnar, and a title shot could be on the line if this potential clash is ultimately booked.

The Winner of Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett

If Lesnar can’t score a date with one of the division’s top few contenders, a meeting with the winner of September’s clash between No. 6-ranked Andrei Arlovski and No. 10-ranked Josh Barnett could present a suitable option.

Arlovski has hit some rough times as of late, but a win would put him back on track. “The Pitbull” still holds a well-rounded skillset backed by knockout power, and he could possibly challenge Lesnar in a unique way. Barnett is also coming off of a loss, but “The Warmaster” is a veteran of the fight game, and his strong grappling skillset would match up fairly well against Lesnar’s wrestling heavy game.

Also, the winner of a bout between Lesnar and Arlovski/Barnett would be launched into title contention.

Who would you like to see “The Beast” dance with if he continues to fight?