USADA has confirmed that former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar re-entered the testing pool earlier this month, and have unveiled the time frame for his return.
And now we know when Brock Lesnar could potentially return to action in the UFC. Per a statement by USADA obtained by MMA Junkie, Lesnar re-entered the testing pool on July 3. With just a little over six months remaining on the suspension he incurred after failing drug tests tied to UFC 200 (where Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt, a win later overturned to a No Contest), that puts Lesnar on track for a January 8, 2019 return.
Of course, that’s a Tuesday, so unless Cormier vs. Lesnar is happening on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, don’t expect Lesnar to get back in the octagon that night.
In any case, the statement USADA provided was short and sweet: “After receiving notice of his intent to compete in the UFC, Brock Lesnar re-entered the testing pool on July 3,” USADA said. “With six months and four days remaining on his period of ineligibility, Lesnar will be able to compete on or after January 8, 2019, should he remain in compliance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.” – via MMA Junkie.
Lesnar and Cormier had a confrontation in the octagon following Cormier’s defeat of Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title at UFC 226. Cormier has called for both USADA testing and additional testing above and beyond USADA for Lesnar, though it’s not clear what that would entail, or even whether Lesnar is obligated to agree to such measures. What is clear is that the UFC and Lesnar plan to make this fight happen, so expect it to be booked sometime close to that January 8 date.
