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In a recent interview, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar recounted how UFC President Dana White initially wanted “nothing to do” with him when Lesnar first tried to join the promotion. Lesnar said he had to take matters into his own hands, buying tickets to a UFC event and then confronting White directly, before eventually securing a contract and going on to become a UFC champion.
Why it matters
Lesnar’s story highlights the challenges some fighters face in breaking into the UFC, even if they have an impressive athletic background. It also shows how Dana White and the UFC are willing to take a chance on fighters who are persistent and able to make a strong impression, even if the organization was initially skeptical.
The details
After a successful run in WWE, Brock Lesnar tried to transition to the UFC in the late 2000s. However, Lesnar said Dana White “wanted nothing to do” with him at first and wouldn’t return his calls. Undeterred, Lesnar bought tickets to a UFC event, waited until after the main event, then scaled the security railing and introduced himself to White. White then agreed to give Lesnar a shot, and he made his UFC debut in 2008, though he lost his first fight against Frank Mir. But the pay-per-view numbers must have been strong, because White then offered Lesnar a full contract, and he went on to become UFC heavyweight champion.
- In 2002-2004, Lesnar had a successful run in WWE.
- In 2008, Lesnar made his UFC debut and lost his first fight against Frank Mir.
- Later in 2008, Lesnar negotiated a full contract with the UFC.
The players
Brock Lesnar
A former WWE star who transitioned to MMA and the UFC, where he became heavyweight champion.
Dana White
The president of the UFC who was initially skeptical about signing Lesnar but eventually gave him a chance.
Frank Mir
The MMA veteran who defeated Lesnar in his UFC debut in 2008.
Randy Couture
The UFC heavyweight champion whom Lesnar later defeated to win the title.
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What they’re saying
“Dana White wanted nothing to do with me. He wouldn’t return my phone call.”
— Brock Lesnar
“No, you’re not done.”
— Dana White, UFC President
The takeaway
Lesnar’s persistence and ability to make a strong impression on Dana White and the UFC, even when the organization was initially skeptical, shows that fighters can sometimes overcome long odds to secure opportunities in the promotion. This story highlights the importance of not giving up and finding creative ways to get noticed by decision-makers in the sport.
