After leaving the world of pro wrestling to try and compete in mixed marital arts, Brock Lesnar was given an extremely tough first fight in Frank Mir for his UFC debut.
Right as the fight started, Lesnar landed a double leg takedown on the jiu-jitsu black belt. As soon as Lesnar had Mir on his back, the former pro wrestler threw a few ground-and-pound strikes before referee Steve Mazzagatti called time after Lesnar landed two shots to the back of Mir’s head. Without issuing a warning, Mazzagatti penalized Lesnar by taking a point. Mazzagatti had both men restart the action on the feet.
Almost immediately after the bout resumed, Lesnar countered Mir’s leg kick with a stiff right hand. Mir dropped to the canvas, and an overzealous Lesnar swarmed the challenger to deliver more damage on the ground. Ignoring the threat of Mir’s dangerous grappling game, Lesnar was submitted by Mir via heel hook.
Watch Lesnar vs Mir on UFC Fight Pass
Despite losing, Lesnar knew he was close to winning the fight. Stepping in the Octagon and facing a former champion like Mir is no easy ask. That night, Lesnar proved he really would fight anyone. In a lot of ways, the loss to Mir may have been the best thing for Lesnar’s early career. It furthered his drive to prove that he had what it took to become UFC heavyweight champion.