2008-02-06 06:09:51
Opinion: Losing to Frank Mir Was the Best Thing That Could Have Happened to Brock Lesnar
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Brock Lesnar came into the UFC with more hype than anyone that I can remember.
He was a former amateur wrestler turned former professional wrestler. Because he used to wrestle in the WWE, UFC fans hated him. They also hated him because he had an air of confidence about him that hard-core UFC fans found misplaced and arrogant.
So when Brock Lesnar tapped to Frank Mir early in the first round of their UFC 81 bout, hard-core UFC fans cheered wildly. Competing and becoming a star in the UFC is hard work, and they didn't want to see some outsider come rolling in and dominating the competition. Brock Lesnar got his comeuppance, and UFC fans couldn't have been happier.
Many fans fully expect Lesnar to turn tail and run back to professional wrestling. Lesnar, to his benefit, is having none of that and vows that he will not be a "one-time deal" in the UFC.
Lesnar has a history of not giving up. In 1999, Lesnar finished a demoralizing second in the NCAA wrestling championship. After navigating his way through the competition as a member of the Unniversity of Minnesota wrestling team, Lesnar lost in the finals.
Instead of giving up, Lesnar vowed to become even better. The very next year, in 2000, Lesnar ended up winning the 2000 NCAA wrestling championship.
I am sure that Lesnar was demoralized after his loss to Frank Mir. However, Lesnar is the type of intense competitor that can learn from his mistakes and become an even better Mixed Martial Arts fighter. I can guarantee you that right now, Brock Lesnar is working and training for his next fight in the UFC. Lesnar worked hard and became the best college wrestler in the country; I have no doubt that he will become the best heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter on the planet one day. He has all of the tools: strength, size, take-down ability, dexterity and raw punching power. He just needs to become a more well-rounded MMA fighter, honing the ability to counter submission attempts and maybe even attempt his own.
By losing and continuing to fight, Lesnar will eventually gain the respect of fans of the UFC. In the end, Lesnar losing to Frank Mir was the best thing that could have ever happened to him. I guarantee you that he will be back.
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