Dana White, Brock Lesnar Presser: Hope or More Hype?

UFC President Dana White announced yesterday that he will hold a press conference next week to discuss Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar’s health status.

Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com recently interviewed White and asked if there were any updates on the champion. White answered, “Actually…uh, yeah…I will have something for you guys by Tuesday or Wednesday…I’m probably going to hold a press conference in Las Vegas.”

White also confirmed that Lesnar will attend the press conference, but he didn't offer any additional details.

Since the announcement of Lesnar's illness, and its potential effect on his career, little information has been added.

With next week's press conference, UFC fans and the media may finally get some real insight and expectations about the 265-pound juggernaut.

Will we hear good or bad news about Lesnar? Will he be forced to retire? Can the public expect a return date?

Rumors have been circulating that Lesnar has been sparring and possibly returning in the spring, but nothing can be confirmed.

The hope is that Lesnar will make his return and defend his belt.

Prior to Lesnar's illness, a match with fan favorite Shane Carwin was in the works.  Carwin is now scheduled to take onFrank Mir at UFC 111 in March. Pending a return, Lesnar could take on the winner of that match.

Lately, too much speculation has been circulating around the rumor mill and the “no news” is the only news we have either read or heard about since the champion went down.

Headlines like “Mums the Word” are all relative to the Brock Lesnar saga, but by the middle of next week we all may receive something different.

UFC faithful now sit and contemplate if next week’s press conference will be a ray of hope or just more hype.

(UPDATE)

Jeremy Botter of Heavy.com has been able to confirm that Brock Lesnar will appear on ESPN's Wednesday morning edition of Sportscenter.

The braodcast is scheduled to take place at 11am ET/8am PT.

We'll find out if it's hope or hype indeed.  With Lesnar making the appearance nationally, the entire MMA audience has an opportunity to find out if the rumors of his dramatic weight loss are true.