TLDR
- Chael Sonnen estimates Netflix would need to pay Brock Lesnar $25 million to come out of retirement
- The proposed fight would pit Lesnar against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou
- Lesnar last fought in MMA in 2016 and has focused on WWE since then
- Netflix has been expanding into combat sports content with major investments
- No official negotiations or offers have been confirmed by any parties involved
Sources: Bloody Elbow | MMA Fighting | ESPN MMA
Combat sports analyst Chael Sonnen has weighed in on what it would take to bring former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar out of retirement. According to Sonnen, Netflix would need to offer $25 million to secure Lesnar for a fight against Francis Ngannou.
The potential matchup between Lesnar and Ngannou has generated buzz in recent weeks as Netflix continues to expand its combat sports programming. Sonnen made his comments while discussing the streaming platform’s growing interest in hosting major fights.
The Price of a Superfight
Sonnen pegged the cost at $25 million for Lesnar to agree to come back. The former UFC fighter turned analyst believes this figure would be enough to entice the WWE star back into combat sports competition.
Lesnar last competed in MMA at UFC 200 in 2016, where he defeated Mark Hunt. That victory was later overturned to a no contest after Lesnar tested positive for a banned substance.
Chael Sonnen sees an opportunity for Netflix to bring Brock Lesnar back to MMA after his apparent retirement at WWE WrestleMania 42. https://t.co/aXogCcg896
— WrestlingINC.com (@WrestlingInc) April 29, 2026
The 46-year-old has since focused on his professional wrestling career with WWE. Lesnar remains one of the biggest draws in sports entertainment and has shown little public interest in returning to the octagon.
Francis Ngannou departed the UFC in 2023 after his contract expired. The Cameroon-born fighter has since signed with the Professional Fighters League and competed in boxing, including a bout against Tyson Fury.
Netflix Enters Combat Sports
Netflix has been making moves into live combat sports content. The streaming service recently hosted the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match, which drew massive viewership numbers despite technical difficulties.
The platform’s willingness to invest heavily in combat sports has led to speculation about other potential marquee matchups. A Lesnar vs Ngannou fight would combine the WWE and MMA worlds in a way that few other bouts could.
Lesnar’s UFC career included winning the heavyweight championship in only his fourth professional MMA fight. He defended the title twice before stepping away due to health issues related to diverticulitis.
Ngannou is widely considered one of the hardest punchers in combat sports history. His knockout power made him one of the most feared fighters during his UFC tenure.
The proposed fight would pit Lesnar’s wrestling background and size against Ngannou’s devastating striking power. Both fighters have proven ability to finish opponents quickly.
Sonnen has a history of predicting and discussing potential superfights in the combat sports world. His opinion carries weight due to his experience as both a fighter and analyst.
No official negotiations or offers have been confirmed by Netflix, Lesnar’s representatives, or Ngannou’s team. The $25 million figure remains Sonnen’s assessment of what it would take to make the fight happen.
Netflix has not publicly commented on pursuing Lesnar for any combat sports event. The streaming service has not announced specific plans for future MMA or boxing programming beyond already scheduled events.
