How Good Was Brock Lesnar in UFC? Here’s Recalling His MMA Career

Explore Brock Lesnar's impact on UFC and MMA. Was he just a spectacle, or a true legend? Dive in and discuss!

By Mrinal Mishra

Published on May 07, 2024 | 04:09 PM IST | 543.1K

Image Source: GETTY

Brock Lesnar, the Beast Incarnate, was the WWE Champion! Was his UFC stint just an extension of his WWE persona? Imagine transitioning from the theatrical rings of WWE to the fierce Octagon of the UFC. Brock Lesnar did just that, after nearly making a detour through the NFL. Yes, the NFL! Before his UFC debut, Lesnar flirted with football, showcasing his versatility.

Yet, it’s his leap to MMA that truly stunned fans. What drove a pro wrestler to chase real combat? His journey wasn't just about changing sports; it was about challenging norms. How well did he really do in the UFC?

Stats don't lie, but they don't tell the whole story either

Brock Lesnar's UFC record might seem modest at a glance—5 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no-contest (one win overturned due to a drug test). But there’s a lot more to that story. Dive into his stats, and you’ll find a fighter who not only competed but often dominated. With a significant strike accuracy of 72% and a takedown accuracy of 55%, Lesnar brought precision and power inside the cage.

What’s remarkable is how quickly Lesnar found himself at the top. By his fourth UFC fight, he had already clinched the heavyweight championship, taking down legends like Randy Couture. But here’s the kicker: Lesnar didn’t just fight anyone; he fought the best, from former champions to top contenders. We're talking guys like Heath Herring and Randy Couture—champions and legends in their own right.

Image Source: GETTY

However, his journey wasn’t without hurdles. Just as he was hitting his stride, a health issue called diverticulitis threw a wrench into things. This intestinal disorder forced surgeries around 2009 and 2010, right around the time he suffered some of his losses.

This illness played a pivotal role in his losses to Cain Velasquez in 2010 and Alistair Overeem in 2011, where it was clear he wasn’t his usual formidable self. And then there's the shadow of doping allegations. Lesnar's comeback victory at UFC 200 over Mark Hunt was overturned due to a positive test for 'clomiphene'.

So, when you look at his record, remember that the numbers don’t tell the whole tale. Lesnar’s stats and quick ascension in the UFC reflect an elite competitor whose potential was curtailed by circumstances beyond his control. It’s not just about how many fights he won; it’s about who he faced and the challenges he overcame. The prime Lesnar, the healthy Lesnar, was a force to be reckoned with.

So, what do you think? Share your thoughts, and let's keep the conversation going. How will you remember The Beast Incarnate's stint in MMA?