Before we delve into the newest “Dana White HUGE announcement” rumor let’s recap our options thus far:

1. Chuck Liddell vs. Anderson Silva

2. UFC on FOX

3. Zuffa has sold the UFC to FOX

4. UFC on ESPN/ABC

5. UFC partners with Golden Boy Promotions

6. Floyd Mayweather to fight in the UFC

Well, here comes lucky number seven: There’s a new rumor that has Zuffa selling the UFC to, wait for it, World Wrestling Entertainment. That sound you hear is one million MMA “purists” choking on their lunch.

Now, let me first say that I am not in the business of reporting insane message board rumors. That would not be very journalistic of me. However, since this has become such an intriguing story, I find myself looking to confirm every single crazy rumor I hear.

So, when the WWE rumor flew into my radar, I just had to find out if it was true. So far no one is biting but then there’s this:

“WWE will be holding a special news conference at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on Thursday, June 12 at 12 Noon, and all WWE Fans are invited to attend this free event. Join WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and WWE Superstars as they take part in this special event.”

Um, Thursday? As in the same Thursday that Dana White is planning to make his announcement? Say it ain’t so, Zuffa.

Now, those that have followed the McMahons know that they have had some mild interest in MMA for some time. Vince McMahon’s son, Shane, is reportedly a big fan and PRIDE FC was once offered to them before eventually being sold to Zuffa.

So, is professional wrestling’s first family really about to morph into MMA’s first family too? Once again, say it ain’t so, Zuffa.

I will never discredit what Vince McMahon has done for pro wrestling but, on the flip side, he has also shown a great knack for failing in any endeavor outside of the wrestling world (the XFL and the World Bodybuilding Federation come to mind). Simply put, I fear he may not know what to do with the UFC. Sure, there’s always the possibility of keeping Dana White on board as president but, let’s be honest, it won’t be the same.

Furthermore, MMA, and more specifically the UFC, has had to work long and hard to shed the “is it fake?” label. Fighting in a cage will always lead to those kind of questions. In fact, I recently attended a wedding and was forced to defend the sport as being 100% real on two separate occasions to a group of people who wouldn’t know an armbar from a piano bar.

Now, if this rumor is in fact true, can you imagine the criticisms that will come flying in anytime some kind of controversy occurs inside the Octagon? Heck, many people believed the XFL was fixed so why wouldn’t they think the same when it comes to the UFC?

Far be it for me to tell Zuffa when to cash out; they have certainly made a nice return on their investment. But for the future and good of this sport, I hope and pray that this latest rumor will forever remain just a crazy rumor.

UPDATE #1: I just spoke to a member of the WWE’s PR department and they assured me that there is no truth to this rumor. Again, Thursday can’t come soon enough.

UPDATE #2: WWE announcer Jim Ross just announced on tonight’s edition of “Monday Night RAW” that Thursday’s press conference is about WWE’s million dollar contest giveaway. Thank heavens. It appears as though we’ve dodged that bullet…for now.