The Brock Lesnar era has begun in earnest.
The hulking Lesnar left little doubt on the
ownership of Ultimate Fighting Championship's heavyweight title, pummeling Frank
Mir to avenge his one career loss with a second-round TKO at Mandalay Bay Events
Center.
Mir had beaten the granite-built former
pro and college wrestling standout in their first bout, Lesnar's first in the
UFC, shaking off Lesnar's punches and forcing the then-inexperienced fighter to
tap out with a leglock.
This time, Lesnar again took the action to the
ground early in the first round but found himself able to do little against Mir,
who has some of the best jiu-jitsu skills in the heavyweight class. After
gradually improving his position, Lesnar was able to land some short punches to
Mir's face and ribs. Mir returned to his corner with his face bloodied and
bruised.
Mir started brightly in the second round with
a couple of strong knees but wound up under Lesnar again, unable to dislodge his
larger opponent, who weighed in at the heavyweight limit of 265
pounds.
The crowd booed and chanted "Stand 'em up,"
but referee Herb Dean saw that Lesnar was landing punches. Mir finally fell to
his side, and Lesnar landed several strong shots before Dean stopped the
contest.
Mir arose and said something to Lesnar. The
crowd booed heavily as Lesnar strutted around the cage, drawing a double
middle-finger salute from the champion.
The postfight interview resembled a pro
wrestling scene, with Lesnar yelling at the crowd to bring on the
boos.
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BACKSTAGE
COVERAGE OF UNDISPUTED UFC
CHAMPION
BROCK LESNAR