When he burst onto the UFC scene in June 2007, Brock Lesnar was met with serious skepticism from both fans and fellow fighters. A former pro wrestler, many critics did not believe he could make a successful transition to the sport as anything other than a freak show like Kimbo Slice or Butterbean.
Fast-forward 17 months, and those critics were silenced as the former NCAA Division-I All-American was crowned the UFC heavyweight champion after defeating Randy Couture at UFC 91.
However, after two bouts with the debilitating disease diverticulitis, the former UFC champion has reportedly been told by more than one doctor that it would be unwise for him to return to fighting.
Though nothing has been made official, this news has to be not only crushing for the man himself, but also for the UFC, as Lesnar has proven to be unequaled by any other fighter as a pay-per-view draw.
Still, until we learn more facts surrounding the situation and receive confirmation on a retirement, Lesnar has to remain on the list of current elite-level heavyweights within the UFC.
That said, let’s take a closer look at where exactly he stands within the top five of the UFC heavyweight division.