Lesnar adds intrigue to UFC's heavyweight division

Oct 23, 2007 - 9:17 PM Anthony Malakian Special to PA SportsTicker

Just as the star power had been drained from the UFC's heavyweight division, in enters Brock Lesnar.

The UFC officially announced the addition of the former WWE superstar at UFC 77 this past Saturday. The timing couldn't be better considering that Randy Couture retired and Fedor Emelianenko chose to sign with M-1.

"For me, my amateur (wrestling) roots and everything, I've always loved this sport," said Lesnar to commentator Joe Rogan and the live Cincinnati audience during the UFC 77 telecast. "I've always wanted to participate in it, and I thank God that I'm able to do this."

"If you want to go with the NFL of the fighting game, it's the UFC and it was an easy choice for me," Lesnar added in a statement released by the UFC.

As far as filling Couture's shoes, Lesnar says that it will take time, but that he will eventually get to the championship level.

"Obviously I don't think I am ready for a title shot right away, but I will be there, and I'm not gonna turn down any opponent because I'm here to prove myself," Lesnar said.

While many are skeptical because of the entertainment nature of his former profession, there is no denying the Minnesotan's credentials.

As an amateur wrestler, he was top-notch. First at Bismarck State College and then at the University of Minnesota, where he compiled a glossy record of 106-5. In 2000 he won the NCAA heavyweight title and was the runner-up the year before. Lesnar is also a four-time All-American.

A sideshow he is not.

As a mixed martial artist, he has only had one fight, but it was a dominating performance. In June, fighting for K-1 Hero's, he forced Min Soo Kim to submit due to strikes.

While Kim is hardly a world-beater, at the 1996 Olympics he won a silver medal in judo for South Korea. Even though Kim's record is 3-6, he is experienced in that he has fought and lost to several name fighters.

Lesnar took Kim down immediately and grounded-and-pounded him to submission in 69 seconds. UFC president Dana White feels that he is going to make an excellent mixed martial artist, and assures fans that he is more than just a name.

"I don't think there are any other pro wrestlers that can make the transition to MMA, except Brock Lesnar," said White in a statement, which was looked upon as taking a shot at former WWE wrestler and possible future MMA'er Kurt Angle. "And if you look at his amateur wrestling credentials, his size and what he's done, this guy can end up being a force in the heavyweight division of the UFC."

While the results may be staged, there is no denying the physical toll that working for the WWE can take on an athlete.

You have to be in phenomenal shape to go through that kind of grind. At 6-3 and listed at 265 pounds, Lesnar is a mountain of a man, but rose to fame by flashing his agility and charisma on his way to winning the WWE championship.

After his WWE career ended, Lesnar tried to make it into the NFL and was granted an invitation to tryout with the Minnesota Vikings. He was cut later in the preseason.

Lesnar stated that he would fight whomever the UFC puts in front of him. Among those looking to gain a crack at the vacated heavyweight title are Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Tim Sylvia, Cheick Kongo, Mirko Filipovic, and Brandon Vera among others.

It will likely be a good year or so before the 30-year-old Lesnar steps into the Octagon and fights any of the aforementioned names.

It's more reasonable to think he will continue learning his craft under trainer Greg Nelson while building his reputation against lesser foes.

But, if it is a slow process in replacing Couture and the large shadow he cast, Lesnar might get the call to the big stage earlier than expect.

An exact date and opponent for Lesnar to make his UFC debut has yet to be announced.