My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is looking at the Brock Lesnar UFC 200 fight and what it means. Here’s an excerpt:
Brock Lesnar is still under WWE contract but will have one fight for UFC on July 9. As Jim Ross would say, “business is about to pick up.” Literally.
Lesnar fighting, in an MMA match or pro wrestling, is always a draw. He’s an athletic freak who has been promoted and branded very well by both Dana White and Vince McMahon. He will certainly add a big boost to the UFC 200 event in Las Vegas, Nev.
However, risks are involved in this move despite the guaranteed money and buzz it will generate.
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The biggest risk is Lesnar’s health. WWE has confirmed Lesnar’s UFC appearance and also stated he would be back in a WWE right for SummerSlam in August. That could be put into jeopardy if Lesnar leaves the fight with a significant injury.
Another risk would be the credibility of Lesnar. I don’t see as much risk here just as long as Lesnar doesn’t get beat quickly and mounts little to no offense. Even with a loss, as long as Lesnar competes, then he still has the legitimate fighting background and highlight clips to keep his value high in WWE as The Beast who is tougher than anyone.
We later learned after Lesnar’s last run in UFC was over that he competed and succeeded amazingly while suffering from diverticulitis. It wasn’t discovered until it compromised his health to the point of him going to the hospital.
The fact Lesnar was as successful a fighter while not fully healthy makes seeing him in July with good health intriguing and potentially scary for his opponent.
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