The Weekly Wrap: Jan. 9 - Jan. 15

Lesnar Will Return

After a period of widespread uncertainty, several reports are emerging that UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar’s MMA career is not over.

Lesnar, who has been reportedly battling an intestinal disorder which saps energy in unpredictable and painful ways, is “definitely coming back to fight,” according to his trainer, Greg Nelson, speaking to ESPN’s “MMA Live.”

UFC President Dana White said earlier this week that Lesnar, the UFC’s top pay-per-view draw was expected to participate in a press conference next Tuesday in Las Vegas to discuss his future. However, as of late this week, no conference had been announced.

Randy Couture, one of the few fighters with whom Lesnar keeps in somewhat regular touch, has said in interviews to expect Lesnar back in the spring.

Nelson said Lesnar is going to be smart with his recovery and ensure he has recovered 100 percent from the effects of his ailment before training, which involves a few more tests. Lesnar adjusted his diet to test if his condition could improve without invasive, and potentially career-ending, surgery.

In another Lesnar-related development this week, it was announced his training partner Cole Konrad would be making his MMA debut on Jan. 23 against Gary Hamen on a card in North Dakota. Konrad, 26, a two-time NCAA national heavyweight champion in Division I wrestling and Pan-Am gold medalist, holds the all-time record for most consecutive wins on the University of Minnesota wrestling team, which is also Lesnar’s alma mater.