Brock Lesnar was not in a WWE ring on July 9, 2016. He was back in a UFC octagon for the first time since 2011.
Standing opposite him was knockout artist and top 10 heavyweight Mark Hunt. Many had put Lesnar as the underdog in this fight, but “The Conqueror” proved that he can still go, winning via unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC’s biggest event.
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE Champion said that he needed to get used to being back in the octagon, but was elated to have the chance to fight again and at least get some closure on the way his first UFC run ended, with his previous two fights being embarrassing losses.
“It took me a little while just to get acclimated,” Lesnar said to Joe Rogan after the fight. “Words can’t describe it. Thanks everybody. Thank you so much.”
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Lesnar was often portrayed as a monster heel in WWE for most of his career, especially since returning to the squared circle in 2012. After being awarded the decision victory, Brock was anything but the villain, being extremely humble and sound of mind to the point where broadcasters Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan said that this was a very different Brock Lesnar.
“One thing I want to say,” Lesnar said. “A shout out to the men in uniform that protect and serve this country. From sea to shining sea, from one white boy, to all nationalities. We got to stand together people.”
It wasn’t even in the way he spoke after in the fight. His fighting was different than the brute monster that was being hyped up by UFC and WWE for years. He was cool, calm and collected while fighting a very smart fight against a legitimately good fighter in Hunt.
Lesnar’s next “fight” will be against Randy Orton back in WWE’s SummerSlam on August 21. Whether or not Lesnar will return to compete at the UFC is yet to be determined. Brock wasn’t even thinking about the future. He was just soaking in the moment and glorious return victory.
“Man, one day at a time,” Lesnar said. “I’m so happy for being here.”
You can see our full UFC 200 coverage at this link.
