Rizin FF Interested In Signing Brock Lesnar For One Last MMA Fight

Yes, he's under contract to the WWE, and says his MMA days are done, but that hasn't stopped one MMA outfit from making a play for Brock Lesnar.

Lesnar's name has once again been brought up by an MMA promotion, this time by one that simply didn't exist during his original run in the sport, Rizin. Yet while Rizin Fighting Federation, based in Japan and run by a former head of the legendary Pride, is new, it's a promotion that has very deep pockets, and happens to have on their roster likely the only opponent that Lesnar would really be interested in facing at this point: heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko. The Russian heavyweight was undefeated for basically a decade, and is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

A fight between the two was hotly anticipated for years, though it never materialized. In fact, it wasn't until Fedor retired in 2012 following the death of his father that Lesnar officially told Dana White he was done as well. However, last year Fedor was lured out of retirement by Rizin, who reportedly paid him around the five million dollar range for his troubles. His first fight back took place on New Year's Eve against the unheralded Indian fighter Jaideep Singh, and proved to be an easy victory for Fedor. He is believed to have one more fight on his Rizin contract, after which either the UFC or Bellator could be possibilities.

Before that, there's the question of his next opponent. Lesnar was actually considered a long shot to be Fedor's opponent on New Year's, though it would have involved the WWE giving him the okay to moonlight. Rizin's VP, Jerry Millen, tackled the subject of bringing Brock Lesnar to Japan for a fight while speaking to submission radio:

If Brock wants to fight, we would definitely entertain it. I know Fedor, you know, we've talked about it. I know Brock is wrapped up in the WWE, I just don't know what his... I'm sure he still has a contract, I think he still has a contract in place with the UFC. So I don't know. They would never, never allow that to happen.

So if he doesn't have a contract with the UFC, sure it could happen. You know, the WWE, Stephanie's over there running a great show and Vince, and I know they were big Pride fans, and Shane McMahon was actually a huge Pride fan and also like a bigger Fedor fan. And so yeah, it could happen if Brock says he wants to come out. But yeah, I think he's under UFC contract. But we'd definitely take him.

Now, one thing should be made clear - UFC President Dana White did confirm that Brock Lesnar is no longer under contract to the UFC, which is why he was able to entertain offers from other MMA outfits prior to his decision (announced on ESPN) to hang up the gloves for good and re-sign with the WWE.

However, Rizin, as mentioned, has deep pockets. They're also not opposed to utilizing pro wrestlers in the way that the UFC is, meaning they would not require their contracts to be exclusive. Lesnar could fight once for Rizin, scoring big bucks, and still wrestle for the WWE - if Vince McMahon and company would allow it.

And there's your stumbling block.

Vince McMahon, in the past, has not proven to be a big MMA fan, and nixed CM Punk even walking to the octagon as part of Chael Sonnen's entourage. Triple H and Stephanie have taken a different approach, and the WWE under their reign certainly coveted Ronda Rousey (at least prior to her loss, but it's unlikely they're done associating with her), but letting one of their biggest stars fight and risk injury?

It's a double edged sword, really. Let Lesnar fight, and should he beat Emelianenko, he earns all sorts of bragging rights, and the free media coverage makes the WWE look great. If he loses, however - and that's a real chance, as Fedor is still dangerous even if his most recent opponent was little more than a can - suddenly you devalue one of your biggest stars.

In short, Rizin is throwing Lesnar's name out because it will get people talking, and maybe in the hope that the suggestion will reach Lesnar's ears, but don't expect anything to come of it, as fun as it would be for fans.

Would you like to see Brock Lesnar lured into one last MMA fight? Share your reactions below in the comments thread.