A federal appeals court has once again weighed in on one of combat sports’ most contentious legal disputes—and this time, it closed the book. The case involved an athlete’s claim that a blockbuster bout had been tainted before it even began, raising questions not just about drug testing and matchmaking, but about transparency in one of the UFC’s most heavily marketed events. What unfolded became a cautionary tale of how promotional priorities can clash with athlete welfare. The case centered around a high-profile 2016 heavyweight bout that took place at UFC 200 and involved a fighter who tested positive for banned substances both before and after the event.
The case stemmed from a heavyweight clash between Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar, which served as the co-main event of UFC 200 and stirred headlines before and after the cage doors closed. According to court filings, Hunt alleged he was knowingly placed in the Octagon with a chemically-enhanced opponent—an accusation that pointed the finger at both Lesnar and the UFC President who signed off on it.
That athlete was Brock Lesnar, who tested positive for banned substances in samples collected both before and after the bout. The pre-fight sample was taken on June 28, 2016, but the results were not reported until after the July 9 fight had occurred, raising concerns about the timing and transparency of the testing process. The executive overseeing it all was Dana White, accused of facilitating an uneven playing field. But this week, the Ninth Circuit Court brought the gavel down—dismissing the lawsuit once and for all.
In doing so, the court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove fraud, conspiracy, or damages. That decision effectively cleared Lesnar and White, placing a quiet cap on one of the most controversial chapters in UFC legal history. According to Courthouse News, the Ninth Circuit Court found no basis for Hunt’s claims, reaffirming the UFC’s legal position. The court stated, ‘Because Hunt cannot show that those assurances were indeed false or that White promised that Lesnar would be a clean fighter, I grant UFC and White’s motion for summary judgment.’ No fines, no damages, no apologies—just a final win by decision, this time rendered by a judge.
The ruling brings a definitive end to a case that, for years, symbolized the tension between fighter advocacy and promotional control. As for where the fighters stand now—Mark Hunt has shifted his focus advocating for better fighter conditions in combat sports. Brock Lesnar, meanwhile, was last seen at WWE’s SummerSlam event in August 2023, where he faced Cody Rhodes. Since then, he has kept a low profile with no official announcements regarding future MMA or pro wrestling appearances.
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