Brock Lesnar Sick, Health in Jeopardy. Will He Fight in the UFC Again?

A few weeks ago, Brock Lesnar opted out of his November 20th UFC 106 fight due to illness. While details of the mixed martial arts star's illness remained murky, it was said to be mono.

However, Brock Lesnar's health has made a turn for the worse. One week ago, Brock Lesnar collapsed while he was in Canada. He was rushed to a North Dakota hospital where he has been hospitalized since. While no one will say what, exactly is wrong with the UFC Heavyweight champion, UFC President Dana White provided a grim outlook to his health. White says Brock Lesnar does not have cancer or AIDS; rather it's some kind of intestinal disorder that requires major survey. Dana White is currently trying to get Brock Lesnar transferred to the nearby Mayo Clinic for treatment.

Dana White told TMZ.com, "There's a possibility Lesnar will never fight again."

Ouch. If that is true, the mixed martial arts world will never be the same. Since joining the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in 2007, Brock Lesnar has been a force to be reckoned with and has become one of UFC's biggest draws and most recognizable figures. During his last fight against Frank Mir, Brock Lesnar dominated the fight and in a post-fight conference, trash talked his opponent, causing a stir within the MMA community. Whether or not you like him, he's exciting to watch and MMA world will miss him, should his health force him to cease fighting.

If Lesnar never fights again, what happens to the UFC?
First, UFC will need to find a replacement for Brock Lesnar's next scheduled fight (Jan. 2, 2010) against Shane Carwin. Then, UFC will likely create an interim heavyweight champion, should Lesnar not return to action for a while. If Lesnar never returns to the Octagon, a new heavyweight champion match would be held, crowning a new champion.

Lesnar is one of UFC's biggest names, and without him, UFC will need to do more to keep viewers interested. While there are hundreds of other fighters in the UFC, Brock Lesnar is by far the biggest draw, brings in the most pay-per-view viewers, and sells tickets. UFC's other popular fighters, Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva fight only once or twice per year. If Brock Lesnar never fights again, UFC is going to need some very creative marketing with its future matchups. Perhaps getting Chuck Liddel, fresh off ABC's Dancing with the Stars, back in the Octagon?

Brock Lesnar was scheduled to fight Shane Carwin in UFC 108 on Jan. 2, 2010. This was supposed to be one of the biggest UFC fights in 2010. Due to Lesnar's illness, the new headliners are Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva - an event not worth the $45 pay-per-view price tag.

Here's hoping Brock Lesnar has a full recovery. Although details of his illness are ambiguous at best, if it's an intestinal disease, and he needs surgery, Lesnar could be at a huge disadvantage during a fight, should he come back. Opponents will know to hit him where it hurts-the stomach-and could potentially cause more damage to the area.

Get well, Brock Lesnar.