The UFC has outdone themselves once again. The long awaited return of Brock Lesnar will finally occur at UFC 141 where he will take on newly signed mixed martial arts veteran, Alistair Overeem.
Lesnar who hasn’t fought in nearly a year will arguably face his toughest opponent yet. While many have already began to doubt Lesnar’s chances at UFC 141, you shouldn’t be so quick to follow the crowd.
While Alistair hasn’t lost since September of 2007, he hasn’t fought the competition of Lesnar. At least not lately. Sure he’s had recent impressive victories over Brett Rogers, Todd Duffee, and Fabricio Werdum but still not the caliber of Lesnar’s victories.
UFC 141 will be more than just another fight for Lesnar. He has something to prove. Lesnar needs to prove to himself and the fans that he’s capable of fighting on a championship level. If he’s not, then it will soon be the end of the road in terms of his UFC career.
In a sense, it’s almost as if Lesnar is fighting for his career while also proving himself as a legitimate Heavyweight contender.
One key component in Lesnar getting back in the win column is getting past the 1st round. If Lesnar can do this he will be at a much greater advantage for a couple reasons.
Getting past the 1st round will give Lesnar the confidence he needs as well as shed off some remaining ring rust from not having fought in nearly a year.
Even tough Lesnar’s been off for a year he has a much greater chance of winning the fight simply because Overeem has yet to be fully tested conditionally.
9 of Overeem’s ten fights have not made it out of the 1st round.
While many believe being off a full year is a disadvantage to Lesnar, it could be a blessing in disguise. This will be the healthiest Lesnar has ever been.
If Lesnar can make it out of the 1st round and get back to the Brock Lesnar we know he can be, look for him to walk out of UFC 141 the victor.