The Superfight That Almost Was: Daniel Cormier vs. Brock Lesnar – A Tale of What Could Have Been

In the unpredictable world of combat sports, some dream matchups remain just that – dreams. Few loom as large and as tantalizing as the heavyweight clash between UFC legend Daniel Cormier and WWE superstar Brock Lesnar, a fight that was agonizingly close to becoming a reality.

The saga began with a bang at UFC 226 in July 2018.

Following Daniel Cormier's stunning knockout victory over Stipe Miocic to claim the UFC Heavyweight Championship, the arena erupted as Brock Lesnar, then the reigning WWE Universal Champion, strode into the Octagon. What followed was an iconic, manufactured confrontation that sent shockwaves through the MMA world: a heated exchange culminating in Lesnar shoving Cormier.

This electrifying moment wasn't just theatrics; it was a clear signal from UFC President Dana White that the fight was on.

For Cormier, this wasn't just another paycheck; it was a chance to cement an unparalleled legacy. Having conquered both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, a win over a global phenomenon like Lesnar, despite his controversial past with USADA, would have been a feather in the cap unlike any other.

Cormier openly expressed his desire, recognizing Lesnar's drawing power and the monumental spectacle it would create.

The hype was palpable. Fans envisioned a collision of wrestling titans, a grappling masterclass meeting raw, explosive power. The financial implications were massive; a Cormier vs.

Lesnar bout was poised to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events in UFC history. Dana White himself was bullish, stating unequivocally that the fight was going to happen.

However, as so often happens when professional wrestling and mixed martial arts intersect, the narrative took an unexpected turn.

Despite the public declarations and the mounting anticipation, the fight ultimately fell apart. The reason? The magnetic pull of WWE. Lesnar, ever the shrewd businessman, was presented with an offer from World Wrestling Entertainment that was simply too lucrative to refuse.

WWE, recognizing the value of their unique attraction, secured Lesnar's services for an extended period, effectively closing the door on his UFC return.

Cormier, while understanding the business realities, couldn't hide his disappointment. He had trained, he had prepared, and he had genuinely wanted to face Lesnar. The opportunity to test himself against such a formidable, albeit controversial, opponent had slipped through his fingers.

The 'what if' question continues to linger for fight fans.

What if Lesnar had chosen the Octagon over the squared circle? Would Cormier have added another legendary name to his already stellar record? Would Lesnar's second foray into the UFC have been more successful? We'll never know for sure. The Daniel Cormier vs. Brock Lesnar superfight remains one of the greatest 'almost' moments in UFC history, a testament to the thrilling, yet sometimes heartbreaking, nature of combat sports.