Brock Lesnar was perhaps the most polarizing figure in MMA history.
After getting crushed by Alistair Overeem at UFC 141, the former UFC heavyweight champion decided to pull the plug on his fight career. It was a decision that is being greeted with mixed responses from fans.
On one hand, Lesnar, who has been plagued over the last couple of years with a serious case of diverticulitis, is making the right decision to ensure his future health.
On the other hand, there is a general consensus that the former WWE superstar never quite reached his full potential in the fight game.
Apparently, Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Overeem falls in the latter category.
“I think he shouldn’t walk away because, love him or hate him, there’s always something when Brock’s fighting,” Overeem said at the post-fight press conference.
“He’s a guy who goes for it. I think he’s achieved a lot in a short span, and yeah, it would be a shame if he stopped now. I think there’s still more to gain for him.”
Lesnar defeated Randy Couture and claimed the coveted UFC title in only his fourth professional bout in November 2008. After a couple of successful defenses over Frank Mir and Shane Carwin, Lesnar was finally dethroned by heavyweight phenom Cain Velasquez.
It’s easy to forget the infant-like nature of Lesnar’s career due to his appearance in so many major heavyweight bouts. He ends his career with a record of 5-3.
There are amateurs in the sport with more fight experience than Lesnar.
To echo Overeem’s remarks, it’s a shame to see a fighter with Lesnar’s athletic gifts and potential suddenly walk away after such a short career, but his health should be taken into consideration over fighting.
The constant surgeries were obviously taking a toll on Lesnar, who kept defying the odds and bouncing back. There’s nothing left to prove for the Minnesota native.
When the world laughed at his MMA aspirations, he jumped ship, captured the UFC title and ascended to the top of the heavyweight division.
Lesnar proved himself as a unique and capable individual in the sport who will be talked about for years to come.
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