Overview
- Cormier recounted in a recent fan Q&A that Brock Lesnar called and messaged him before UFC 226 to promote a potential showdown, but later chose WWE offers over a UFC return.
- The in‑cage shove at UFC 226 in July 2018 created public demand for the matchup, but Lesnar never fought Cormier and the confrontation remained the closest fans got to the bout.
- Cormier said Lesnar’s choice came down to money, telling fans that WWE paid Lesnar more and that accepting that guarantee was a rational financial move.
- After Lesnar declined to return for that title fight, Cormier defended the heavyweight belt against Derrick Lewis at UFC 230 instead and continued his career path without the superfight.
- The episode underscores how guaranteed pay from crossover stars can steer fight business and affect fighters’ legacies by prioritizing steady income over single high‑profile matchups.