WAS WRONG IN QUESTIONING BROCK’S HEART
Bethlehem, PA– On the eve of July 4th, UFC 116 provided some fireworks a day early. Chock full of KO’s, submissions and exciting fights, the card was highlighted by the return of the UFC heavyweight 205-265 lbs) champion Brock Lesnar, 265, who did his part to insure it would be an unforgiveable night of MMA. In only his sixth professional fight, Lesnar (5-1, 2 KO’s 2 subs) showed tremendous heart, growth and evolution as both a fighter and champion.
INJURY KEPT BROCK ON SHELF ALMOST A YEAR
In only his second title defense and first fight in just under a year, Lesnar submitted interim champion Shane Carwin, 265, (12-1, 7 KO’s, 5 subs) via an impressive arm triangle choke in the second round. I had predicted Carwin would knockout Lesnar in the first round and for four minutes, it looked like that was the way it was going to play out.
SHANE HAD BROCK HURT MORE THAN ONCE!
Carwin caught Lesnar with a looping left uppercut that staggered the champion and proceeded to unleash a flurry of punches that would eventually drop Lesnar against the cage. With four full minute’s left in the round, Carwin maintained top position on Lesnar as he rained down power shots and hammer fists. Lesnar to his credit covered up well and maintained his composure, weathering the storm while Carwin seemingly punched himself out through the round. Luckily for Lesnar, while he offered nothing in return, he stayed active and alert enough to keep the referee from stopping the fight.
CARWIN HAD NEVER BEFORE SAW SECOND ROUND
As the second round began, a clearly gassed Carwin looked across the cage to find a smiling Lesnar coming at him. Apparently, surviving the best Carwin had to offer gave Lesnar a boost of confidence because he came straight at him and eventually took him down. Instead of using Carwin’s approach of trying to punch him into submission, Lesnar showed patience as he used his NCAA wrestling background to control Carwin. Eventually he worked himself into an arm triangle and unlike a man that weighs 265 lbs., he quickly changed his position to side mount from Carwin’s half guard giving him all the leverage he needed. With Lesnar’s power and the choke locked in tight, Carwin had no other recourse but to tap or go to sleep.
STOMACH MALADY HUMBLED LESNAR
In his post-fight interview, Lesnar was a totally different person from the one who berated his opponent and UFC sponsors last summer at UFC 100 in his win against Frank Mir. Apparently, his near career ending bout with Diverticulitis, an intestinal infection, was enough to wake up, humble and tame this once wild beast. “This isn’t about me tonight, this is about my family, my doctors, my training partners and my training staff.”
IN THE WORDS OF LESNAR
However, he made sure to let it be known that it his newfound epiphany doesn’t mean he’s getting soft. “I am blessed by God ladies and gentlemen; I stand before you a humble champion, but I’m still the toughest SOB around baby.”
WHY I PICKED CARWIN TO EMERGE VICTORIOUS
Figuring ring rust and the comeback from the illness would be too much to overcome. I also made the mistake of thinking he had no heart, as most bullies don’t. I figured that once he got cracked in the jaw and found himself in trouble he would fold under the pressure and give up. On the contrary, he showed he does have what it takes to be a champion.
“Slammin’ Sammy” Perez