5 Biggest UFC Fights of Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar’s meteoric rise in the UFC was a spectacle unlike any other in the world of mixed martial arts. From the squared circle of WWE to the unforgiving octagon of the UFC, Lesnar’s journey was marked by explosive power, relentless determination, and an undeniable aura that made him a true crossover star.

Despite his relatively short stint in the UFC, spanning just three years, Lesnar left an indelible mark on the sport. He transitioned from being a WWE superstar and household name to a legitimate MMA fighter with a decorated amateur wrestling background. His arrival in the UFC signalled a new era of excitement, and he played a pivotal role in the promotion’s growth in popularity.

In this article, we dive deep into the world of Brock Lesnar’s UFC career, examining the five biggest fights that showcased his extraordinary talent, resilience, and impact on the sport.

#5. Lesnar’s encounter with Frank Mir in their first fight at UFC 81: Breaking Point

Brock Lesnar’s UFC debut was nothing short of sensational. The former WWE champion stepped into the octagon to face none other than former heavyweight champion Frank Mir. The UFC didn’t make it easy for Lesnar, pitting him against a seasoned opponent in his very first fight.

“The Beast Incarnate” wasted no time showcasing his wrestling prowess. He was the aggressor from the opening bell, dropping Mir and unleashing a barrage of heavy strikes. The remarkable nimbleness of an athlete of his stature was truly impressive. However, inexperience proved to be his downfall, as Mir seized an opening and submitted him with a kneebar.

“In the UFC, there are no easy fights, and Lesnar learned that the hard way,” remarked veteran MMA analyst Joe Rogan. “But his debut left everyone wanting more.”

4. Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt, UFC 200

Brock Lesnar’s return to the UFC at UFC 200 was a momentous occasion in the world of MMA. After a five-year hiatus, he returned to face Mark Hunt, a formidable striker with knockout power. The question on everyone’s mind was how Lesnar would perform after such an extended absence.

In a calculated performance, “The Beast Incarnate” executed his game plan to perfection. He used takedowns and ground-and-pound to control the fight, showcasing his wrestling dominance. Despite some clean shots landed by Hunt, Lesnar remained composed and earned a unanimous decision victory.

“Lesnar’s return was a spectacle,” noted MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. “He came back as if he had never left, and the fans were treated to a vintage performance.”

However, the fight’s outcome would later be tainted as it was changed to a no-contest after Lesnar tested positive for a banned substance, casting a shadow over his triumphant return.

#3: Lesnar vs. Randy Couture, UFC 91

The announcement that Brock Lesnar would challenge Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight championship was nothing short of a shocker. Despite having only three professional MMA fights under his belt, Lesnar was thrust into a title bout against a seasoned legend.

“The Natural” may have been 45 years old when they fought, but he boasted a wealth of experience compared to the relatively green challenger. However, Lesnar’s size and athleticism gave him a distinct advantage.

In a stunning turn of events, Lesnar utilised his size to his advantage. After a battle for positioning in the clinch, he dropped Couture with a powerful straight-right and finished him with a vicious ground-and-pound.

“Lesnar’s meteoric rise to the championship was nothing short of incredible,” said MMA historian John McCarthy. “He showed that he belonged among the elite.”

The event generated a massive 1,010,000 pay-per-view buys, establishing Lesnar as a major draw in the sport.

**#2. Lesnar vs. Frank Mir II, UFC 100**

After becoming the heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar faced off against Frank Mir in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 100. This fight was more than just a title defence; it was a chance for Lesnar to avenge his only career loss at the time on one of the most significant nights in UFC history.

In the rematch, Lesnar displayed a more refined approach, learning from his past mistakes. Mir attempted a leg lock, but Lesnar shifted to half guard, displaying improved grappling skills. Like in their first bout, Lesnar took Mir to the ground and controlled him. What was unexpected, however, was Lesnar allowing Mir to get back to his feet.

Mir’s shining moment came when he caught Lesnar with a knee to the face during a takedown attempt. It wasn’t enough to deter “The Beast,” who continued his ground-and-pound onslaught before the fight was stopped at 1:48 of the second round.

“UFC 100 was a historic night, and Lesnar’s dominant performance was its centrepiece,” remarked MMA analyst Chael Sonnen.

#1. Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin, UFC 116

Brock Lesnar’s title defence against interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin at UFC 116 was arguably the biggest fight of his career. The bout was billed as the most significant heavyweight fight in UFC history, and it had all the makings of an epic clash.

Lesnar’s return to the octagon was eagerly anticipated after his battle with diverticulitis. The fight began with fireworks as Carwin dropped the champion in the opening exchange and unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes. The referee could have stopped the fight, but he gave Lesnar every opportunity to survive.

Survive he did. In the second round, Carwin’s exhaustion from his first-round onslaught was evident. Lesnar capitalised on this and took the fight to the ground, displaying his wrestling prowess. “The Beast” eventually found an opening and submitted Carwin with an arm-triangle choke, retaining his heavyweight championship.

“UFC 116 was a night for the ages,” said MMA commentator Joe Rogan.

In Conclusion

Brock Lesnar’s UFC career may have been relatively short, but it was packed with unforgettable moments and epic battles that captivated fans worldwide. From his sensational debut against Frank Mir to his triumph over Shane Carwin at UFC 116, Lesnar’s journey through the UFC ranks solidified his status as a legendary figure in MMA history.

His exceptional athleticism, unwavering determination, and undeniable drawing power left an indelible mark on the sport, ensuring his place among the all-time greats of the UFC. While his time in the octagon was relatively brief, it was marked by a series of monumental fights that showcased his extraordinary talent and resilience.

Lesnar’s transition from the scripted world of WWE to the unforgiving realm of the UFC was met with scepticism, but he quickly silenced doubters with his dominant performances. His debut against Frank Mir was a baptism by fire—a clash that set the tone for his career. Despite a submission loss, Lesnar’s raw power and wrestling pedigree were evident.

Returning to the UFC after a five-year hiatus at UFC 200, Lesnar faced the hard-hitting Mark Hunt. The fight was a true test of his mettle, and he passed with flying colours, displaying a calculated approach and controlling the fight with his wrestling and ground-and-pound. Though the result was later marred by a failed drug test, it was a triumphant return.

Challenging Randy Couture for the heavyweight championship at UFC 91 was a bold move. Lesnar’s limited MMA experience was no match for Couture’s seasoned skills, but his size and athleticism allowed him to secure a memorable victory. It was a Cinderella story in the world of MMA, and the event’s massive pay-per-view buys attested to Lesnar’s drawing power.

The rematch with Frank Mir at UFC 100 was a pivotal moment in Lesnar’s career. He had learned from his earlier loss and showcased improved grappling skills, avenging his defeat with a dominant performance. UFC 100 was a historic event, and Lesnar’s victory was its centrepiece.

However, it was Lesnar’s title defence against Shane Carwin at UFC 116 that stands out as the defining moment of his career. Overcoming Carwin’s early onslaught, Lesnar showcased incredible resilience and skill, ultimately submitting his opponent and retaining his heavyweight championship. UFC 116 was a night for the ages, and Lesnar’s comeback from adversity and his submission victory showcased his incredible heart and skill.

In the world of MMA, Brock Lesnar’s legacy is secure. His impact on the sport transcended his relatively short time in the UFC, and he will forever be remembered as a true icon. As fans look back on the five biggest UFC fights with Brock Lesnar, they are reminded of a time when a larger-than-life figure blazed a trail through the octagon, leaving a lasting mark on the sport of mixed martial arts.