Brock Lesnar will make his anticipated return at UFC 141 to face Alistair Overeem after enduring a long layoff with diverticulitis.
The extended break has left some fans skeptical about Lesnar’s return and are doubting he will become as dominant as he was before. But according to UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, the best has to yet to come from the 265-pound South Dakota native.
“I don’t think his difficulties will affect his ability to fight,” Couture told ESPN.co.uk. “I think he’s going to be better having had, for the first time, the time to change and realise his potential.”
Couture defended the UFC heavyweight title against Lesnar at UFC 91, which saw the former WWE star pummel the 47-year-old to capture the heavyweight crown. There was an enormous size disadvantage between the two heavyweights as Lesnar used his size and strength to wear down the smaller Couture.
Since then, Lesnar has trained with “The Natural” and Couture believes the former UFC champion is more credible than people might think.
“Something about being stood in front of a guy who is that size, but can still move as fluidly as he moves is a very unique thing. You don’t find guys like that, he’s an anomaly,” he said.
But having shared experience with both Lesnar and Overeem, Couture said the bout will come down to which competitor can implement their strength first.
“If Brock closes the distance and gets his hands on Overeem, you’re going to see Overeem on the bottom a lot. That’s not a great place to be,” he said. “If Brock’s timid and allows Overeem to establish his range and throws those big knees, we’ve established that Brock hasn’t made friends with being hit in the face yet.”
“Either way, it’s a great fight and an exciting match-up, no doubt,” he added.
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