Lesnar Treated for Intestinal Infection
The mystery illness afflicting Brock Lesnar has been revealed as an intestinal infection. Sherdog has the story:
Brock Lesnar is being treated in an unidentified hospital for a bacterial infection in his intestinal tract, UFC President Dana White told the Associated Press on Monday.
“He’s in stable condition and should be released soon,” said White.
Payout Perspective:
Lesnar is the UFC’s biggest star, so obviously the infection is of serious concern. Thankfully it doesn’t appear to be life-threatening.
It’s a little surprising to see White so open and honest with the situation considering the UFC’s track record for being tight-lipped regarding inner-organizational developments, but it does make sense from a PR perspective. Lesnar attracts attention in whatever he does; even if he’s not fighting, he can still be used to bring attention to the UFC. While he may not be back in the cage for a while – or forbid, at all – the UFC does have a ton of heavyweights that fans can watch in the meantime. That should be the message here.
If Lesnar is unable to return, it’ll certainly be a blow to the organization. However, the UFC’s brand-first strategy helps to ensure that potential losses via injury, free agency, or retirement are absorbed by the strong brand. The Lesnar’s and GSP’s of the organization help to put the organization’s merchandise sales and buyrates over the top, but there exists that core base of fans that will purchase the product regardless of who’s on the label or fighting in an event.
So, no need to panic. Lesnar the illness doesn’t appear to be life threatening, and with or without Lesnar the organization will continue to perform well.
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