Brock Lesnar just so happens to be one of those types of athletes that no matter what he says or what he does, the fans (for one reason or another) just can’t seem to get enough of him (just ask Frank Mir).

Not that it’s all positive, of course.

For as many fans that seem to love Brock Lesnar (oh yes fight fans…they definitely exist), just as many, if not more, seem to really despise who he is as a person, and what they perceive he represents.

Oh well…love him or hate him, the reality is that we (the fans) just can’t seem to get enough of the one they call, Brock Lesnar.

In a recent interview with ESPN, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, discussed the fan’s take on his illness, his weakness as a fighter, flipping off the crowd after beating Frank Mir, his favourite MMA fighters of all time (sorry—not Fedor), his possible one-time return to the WWE, and much, much more.

 

His Illness

“I’ve put myself in this category as this confrontational person who creates controversy, but for people to grasp what was happening and to be like, “Holy s—, I might never be able to see this guy fight again!” That saddened them more than anything probably.

“I’m sure some of them said, ‘I hope that son of a b—- dies.’ I don’t know. I’m sure there are people out there like that, but that’s just the way it is.”

There most definitely are a lot of people like that out there and “well-wishers” they are not. Those people need a serious reality check.

Brock Lesnar is as much of an entertainer as he is an athlete—as are all fighters in modern Mixed-Martial Arts.

Lesnar just happens to be better at it than most.

No one embraces the role of the “heel” better than Lesnar (not even Tito due to his irrelevance as a fighter).

Fans who get themselves so wrapped up into the hype that they would then sincerely wish death upon another man simply because they don’t like who they “think” he is, is simply wrong. Anyone with sound morals and a good sense of common decency could tell you that.

Hating Lesnar is exactly what the UFC wants you to do, so stop living in denial and just admit to yourself that you like being entertained.

The next obvious step will be in admitting that you are a big-time Lesnar fan (don’t worry…you can still hate on him).

 

His Weakness

“I’m constantly working on my hands, I’m constantly working on my ground game, and constantly trying not to get satisfied with where I’m at with my career and where I’m at as an athlete. I’m somewhat happy, but never satisfied.”

Lesnar’s true weakness is that he is an absolute perfectionist who demands more from himself than anyone else, which translates into an amazing work ethic and is precisely why he is the current champion.

The “haters” will try to argue that Lesnar is not a true athlete (blinded by their own hate), but to those people, I would only suggest that they watch this video for evidence to the contrary.

Told ya so.

 

His Middle Finger

“I didn’t pre-plan any of that stuff. That was just pure emotion. They asked me, “What’s next?” Well, that was what was at the top of my mind. I just took the microphone, I had to wait 17 months to beat Frank, and there was just a lot of emotion. An old promoter once said, “Any press is good press.” It definitely got a lot of attention.”

I am inclined to believe Lesnar when he says that the events that transpired after his second fight with Mir were not completely premeditated in the sense that he decided before the fight that he was going to do what he did.

I do believe, however, that it was a fantasy scenario that he had replayed in his mind over and over again and what came next just felt natural.

That “old promoter” by the way, was P.T. Barnum.

And he was right.

 

His Favourite Fighters

“Back in the day I was a Royce Gracie fan and a fan of Tank Abbott. It’s always the different looking guys that you want to root for. Then there were guys like Mark Coleman and Randy Couture, so for me to get in there and fight against guys like that is pretty cool.”

Pretty cool observation if you ask me (you didn’t…but I’m tellin’ ya anyway!)

It’s not unreasonable to believe that Lesnar was a long time UFC fan (like the majority of us) many years before he ever decided to get into MMA. His desire to become a fighter obviously had to have started with him as a fan, as with all of us.

As a fan who is now a fighter, we need to trust that Lesnar is not intentionally out to create a bad name or image for the sport.

What’s good for the sport, is good for Lesnar (and Dana).

Cha-ching!!!

 

His Biggest Challenge

“[The fans] didn’t cut me any slack. Not at all. They still didn’t believe I was worthy after I beat Randy Couture. I still have to make my name, but that’s fine. I don’t care. I’m getting paid to do something I love.”

At least Lesnar knows it and he’s clearly up to the challenge to prove himself in the long run.

I would have to agree that he was launched into a title fight too soon, but the UFC heavyweight division was hardly what it is today.

Lesnar saved the UFC heavyweight division (with the assist going to Couture).

The UFC heavyweight division is the most popular division in all of MMA.

Therefore, Lesnar saved MMA.

That’s what they call the “new” math.

 

His Relationship with the WWE

“If I had to say one thing about Vince it would be ruthless. If I had to say something about Dana it would be diligent and somewhat brilliant. Two different approaches to business.

“I had a great run with WWE. WWE gave me great visibility, I met my wife there, and I got paid a lot of money, it was just my time to go. I sensed it. I was smart enough to leave. That’s the bottom line.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to [a one night only return to the WWE]. I’m still focused on my fighting right now, but if the opportunity arose some day, I’d never say never.”

It’s always a good policy in life to never burn bridges.

If Lesnar did burn bridges with the WWE, I doubt that it would be a permanent situation.

Funny how money has a way of rebuilding things though.

As far as the comparison between Dana White and Big Vinny Mac, I have to admit that I am a bit surprised.

Those two struck me more as two peas in a pod.

Fans love them, fans hate them, fans respect them.

Sounds like the recipe to media success to me.

by James Ryan Written on April 13, 2010