Chael Sonnen dropped a bold take on Brock Lesnar possibly entertaining an MMA return. The claim comes after Lesnar retired from pro wrestling with WWE and is now free to explore other opportunities.
Lesnar, 48, is a former UFC heavyweight champion. His MMA career did not last too long. However, it was memorable and an important part of UFC history.
Given the current MMA landscape, Sonnen believes Lesnar can be highly sought after by Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions. Their first MMA event is scheduled for May. 16 on Netflix. Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano headlines the event, which also features Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry in action.
Sonnen feels that model of high-profile fights on a Netflix card could entice Lesnar. One matchup, in particular, could see him come out of retirement to face Ngannou.
“I’m here to tell you right now, there is a dollar amount. I don’t know that sum. $25 million would be very close. There is a dollar amount where Brock Lesnar will fight on Netflix against Francis Ngannou. He just has to be given the opportunity,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “When somebody says they’re retired, it just means, ‘I don’t have opportunities in front of me right now.”
Chael Sonnen Questions How Brock Lesnar Wants to be Remembered
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 19: Paul Heyman (L) and Brock Lesnar gesture to the crowd after Lesnar appeared to retire following his loss to Oba Femi in their match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Chael Sonnen also questioned how Brock Lesnar wants to be remembered now that he has retired. He pointed out that ‘The Beast’ built strong reputations in three different sports and forms of entertainment.
Sonnen feels that Lesnar being known for pro wrestling brings more notoriety compared to his NCAA career. However, he also speculated on whether the former heavyweight champion wants to remembered as a fighter.
“Does he want to be known as the guy that used to be a pro wrestler? Maybe. I’m curious, I’m asking the question. That would certainly get you more notoriety and more attention,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “[It would get more than] being an undefeated NCAA champion, two-time NCAA finalist, Big 10 champion. It would get you more attention, but it wouldn’t be the same purity of that attention.”
He continued:
“It wouldn’t be as sincere or as organic. And then, where does MMA fit into it?” Sonnen said. “I just wonder how he sees himself, I really do. I wonder if Brock is going to come back now that he’s got all this time on his hands.”
Is Lesnar vs. Ngannou Realistic?
While Sonnen feels Lesnar will be a hot commodity for Netflix to target, it will ultimately depend on whether he has any interest in fighting.
Given Netflix’s existing relationship with WWE, the streaming giant could definitely make an offer alongside Paul’s MVP promotion. However, it is important to note that Lesnar’s health battles with diverticulitis were one of the reasons he initially retired.
Now 48, perhaps RAF wrestling matches could be more realistic than an MMA fight due to the risks involved. Ngannou, meanwhile, could be aiming for another lucrative boxing bouts if he remains a free agent after MVP’s Netflix event.
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