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It’s difficult for some people to comprehend what a menacing figure Brock Lesnar was during his time in the Octagon because they cannot separate the professional wrestler from the UFC heavyweight, but make no mistake about it: Lesnar was (and still is) a physical specimen with freakish athleticism who took to the sport with astonishing ease and quickness.
At UFC 121, Lesnar entered as the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, fully intent on defending his title against the undefeated challenger.
Lesnar shot out of the corner like he was launched out of a cannon, trying to take the fight to Velasquez and get him out of there before he could settle into a rhythm. He bull-rushed him, trying to take him down and maul him early, but the challenger weathered the storm. When Lesnar put him on the canvas, Velasquez got up quickly, and when they separated into space with just over three minutes remaining in the round, the young standout took over.
Lesnar was tired, throwing labored single shots that Velasquez avoided with ease and countered with combinations, creating an opportunity for the challenger to close the distance and put the champion on the ground. A tired Lesnar telegraphed a takedown attempt and was sent stumbling across the cage off balance when Velasquez shrugged him off, only to come face-to-face with a fresh, attacking challenger when he regained his balance along the fence.
A knee up the middle sent Lesnar tumbling to the canvas and from there it was academic, as Velasquez passed his legs, climbed into side control and unleashed a torrent of strikes that forced the bout to be stopped.
A new champion had emerged, and he looked poised to rule the division for an extended period of time.