Early this week, Stephanie McMahon spoke about Brock Lesnar’s MMA return and UFC fighters in general. The WWE’s Chief Brand Officer first admitted that they really were not keen on the idea of Lesnar’s one-off return at UFC 200 against Mark Hunt.
She then pointed out what she believes was the main difference with how the two companies handled their roster of fighters and talents.
"UFC, they can make a big star but the second that person loses, they lose credibility, and how do you continue to make that star rise? So I think we have the best of both worlds and the opportunity to tell the stories in the way we want to tell them," McMahon told Business Insider.
When asked about her comments, Lesnar replied, "I don't care what she says."
During Thursday’s media conference call ahead of the massive July 9th event, Lesnar was asked how a possible loss to Hunt could likely affect his WWE star power. The former UFC heavyweight champion, in turn, gave a snappy response.
"I really don't give a sh*t."
For Lesnar, making a return to fighting even for just a one-time deal is something he did not to appease his followers. Rather, it was to fulfill his apparent desire to compete at the sport’s highest level once again.
"This isn't about my fans. This is about me living my life, being the person that I want to be," Lesnar said (transcription via MMA Fighting). "Granted, without the fans and everything, none of us would be able to do this. I get that. But I don't sit up at night wondering is my drawing power gonna be hurt or are my WWE fans gonna tune in and watch me do this."
"I don't give two sh*ts about that. This is about me. I want to get in there and be an athlete again. That's what this is about."
(Editor's note: The headline and the article have been correct to clarify that the "I don't give a sh*t" quote from Lesnar was in reference to his WWE drawing power, not a response to McMahon's comments, to which Lesnar replied, "I don't care what she says."
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