During the amazingly great UFC 199, it was announced that former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar would be returning to the Octagon at UFC 200. Interim light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who gets points on the PPV, immediately tweeted that is was a “red panty night.”
On Monday it was announced that Arlovski would be fighting wrecking machine Mark Hunt.
It appeared as if the UFC had gotten one up on their main PPV rival, the WWE.
But Michael Blaustein writing for the NY Post, says it is part of a battle between the UFC and WWE for Ronda Rousey’s future, and that the WWE has a secret plan to land ‘Rowdy’ who is a massive pro wrestling fan. Blaustein’s work was based on an article by Anthony DiMoro in Forbes.
According to sources, WWE is hoping that by allowing Lesnar to compete at UFC 200 (and perhaps beyond) it will open the doors for some things in return from UFC. Mainly WWE is hopeful for two things in return.
For one, they are hoping not only to get additional promotion for ‘SummerSlam’, likely at UFC 200, but are also looking to get UFC stars to appear at the event.
WWE is also hopeful that they will be allowed to use Ronda Rousey at ‘WrestleMania 33′ in Orlando, Florida. While her in-ring segment at ‘WrestleMania 31′ with ‘The Rock’, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H was a memorable moment, WWE is hoping they can secure Rousey for an actual match at their biggest event of the year.
UFC may be more inclined to work with WWE to allow that due to WWE working with UFC for the Lesnar/UFC 200 fight. UFC also recognizes the promotional power of being prominently featured at an event as monumental as a ‘WrestleMania’ and clearly sees value in securing heavy promotion for the UFC brand during the show. This could include advertising, sponsorships and plenty of camera time for UFC stars appearing at the event.
Rousey is at the top of WWE’s list and they are confident they can eventually solidify a match involving Rousey, who many believe will ultimately end up in WWE down the road.
There is no better place for Rousey’s in-ring debut to happen than at WrestleMania. What once seemed like a long shot is now entering the realm of possibility.
One thing is for sure, WWE and UFC are finding common ground and understanding the benefits of a strong business relationship.
