[MEDIA] Rocky Mountain News 8.7.08 Next bout may make or break Lesnar
Evad Seltzer
Next bout may make or break Lesnar
By Alex Marvez, Scripps Howard News Service
Thursday, August 7, 2008
In pro-wrestling vernacular, Brock Lesnar should approach his next
mixed-martial-arts bout as a loser-leaves-town match.
Lesnar will fight Heath Herring in the co-main event of Saturday
night's UFC 87: Seek and Destroy pay-per- view show emanating from
Minneapolis. With a victory, Lesnar is guaranteed to remain in a high-
profile UFC role. But a defeat clouds his future.
Lesnar's UFC debut in February was a huge success. UFC 81: Breaking
Point drew a live gate of $2.4 million and a reported 600,000 pay- per-
view orders. Many of those willing to pay $39.95 for the telecast were
pro-wrestling fans curious about how Lesnar would fare in a real- life
fight.
Lesnar already reigned supreme in World Wrestling Entertainment,
emerging as one of its top performers in just three years on the main
roster. But he grew tired of the travel and had a falling-out with WWE
management, leading to his 2004 departure. He wrestled in Japan before
beginning full-time MMA training in April 2006.
Lesnar would make huge strides toward solidifying himself as a
legitimate MMA up-and-comer by besting Herring, an 11-year veteran
with a 28-13 career record. The 6- foot-3, 265-pound Lesnar has worked
diligently on trying to better his boxing and jiu-jitsu defense since
dedicating himself full time to MMA training in April 2006.
"Like I said from Day One, I didn't want any easy fights," Lesnar
said. "Heath is not an easy fight for me."
George St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch headlines UFC 87. For more
information, visit ufc.tv.
* Dustin Uhrich vs. Billy V headlines a Fusion Pro Wrestling show at 7
p.m. Saturday at the Mile High Event Center, 5155 E. 64th Ave.,
Commerce City. 303-564-8307, fusionprowrestling.com
Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro-wrestling column for Scripps
Howard News Service.