After it was announced that Jon Fitch won by unanimous decision at UFC 82, clips of Mark Coleman's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame were aired.
Announced as the godfather (or grandfather or step father) of ground and pound the induction didn't really make any difference to me personally as I remember him as the guy that got knocked out by Pete Williams at UFC 17. And the guy that was friends with Steve Kerr in the documentary "The Smashing Machine". And that old guy that got a title shot against Fedor, just to fall like all the rest.
I never really though of him as Hall of Fame material, but I guess nostalgia goes a long way in the induction process these days.
After the clips were aired, the camera switched to Joe Rogan who was seated next to Coleman in the audience. Kind words were said about the honor of being inducted, but he was quick to point out that he didn't really feel like it was right because he wants to keep fighting.
Sure, fine, have fun. I don't think that anyone was really expecting what came out of his mouth next. Coleman actually had a comeback fight in mind, he wanted to fight (in his words) "Minnesota's Brock Lesnar".
I assume that was to differentiate between Hawaii's Brock Lesnar and West Virginia's Brock Lesnar. It took the words a few minutes to sink in as I was on my fifth whiskey, but suddenly the words found home and I realized, "This guy wants a piece of Lesnar!"
Wait, this guy wants a piece of Lesnar? Why? Rumor has it that the fight is being set up for August. So let's take a look at it: Mark Coleman versus Brock Lesnar.
Mark Coleman
Coleman has not fought in the UFC since 1999 in his loss at UFC 18 versus Pedro Rizzo. He has since spent his time in the Pride circuit doing quite well for himself and earning a title shot against Fedor two years ago.
Sure he lost, but then again, everyone does. The 6'1 255 pound 43 year old, seems to fancy himself as a sort of Randy Coutoure in the rational that age doesn't mean that he can't still throw down.
Of course Randy Coutoure is a freak of nature that has more heart and will than any fighter in MMA today. He is 4-4 in his last 8 matches and definitely doesn't have the same intimidation factor that he once held in the octagon, let alone the fact that men of his size aren't exactly a rarity anymore.
Brock Lesnar
He's an animal. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it; once he gets his submission game up to par he is going to be a dominating force in the UFC.
All of Lesnar's 6'3" and 265 pounds are coiled muscle. He is faster, younger and stronger than his veteran opponent. The only thing he lacks is octagon experience, but here is a case where it doesn't matter. Coleman is a wrestler, so is Brock. And Brock is better. Despite being a former Olympic wrestler (Coleman placed 7th at the 1992 Olympics), 16 years only make wine and brandy better, not fighters that are over 40.
Prediction
Don't blink. This fight isn't going to be much in the way of stand up since both will be vying for dominant control in the wrestling game and looking for the take down.
Lesnar's stand up game is improving and his strength, speed and skill are enough to stop Coleman's attempts at take downs and reverses and other situations that he might find himself in.
The Godfather of Ground 'n' Pound is going to get defeated by his own creation. Brock Lesnar wins within four minutes of Round One.
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4 months ago
I agree with you. I don't see Coleman being able to pull out a victory over Lesnar. Lesnar is just too strong, I see this as two bulls just gonna tear into eachother. I'm not really looking forward to this fight at all, I hope its a co-mainevent and has a solid title fight or something with it.
As for his Hall of Fame choosing, im still up in the air. Yes, he did defeat Don Frye when he was on a roll, and he was the first UFC heavyweight champion, but he was only in the UFC for about a year and was 6-3, hardly a HofF worthy record.
4 months ago
Brock is going to butcher Coleman. Coleman was a NCAA national champion, but The Lesnar is a much stronger, faster, and more athletic than Coleman ever was. As far as olympic wrestling goes, Yeah Coleman was there. I take no credit away from him, but Brock would have been a gold medalist. Brock is way to explosive of a fighter for Coleman to handle. I say Lesnar wins in the 1st round. Even A 30 year old Mark Coleman is no match for The next big thing.
4 months ago
I think this will be the best, fastest, strongest Mark Coleman you have seen in a long time. For sure he is training like he never trained before to prepair for this fight. Will this be enough to beat brock Lesnar? For one thing Brocks chin has never been truly tested. For another Mark has much more experiance in the octagon. With this said, Lesnar is very quick and explosive for a man his size. For sure he has been working on his ground game and his stand-up after his last match. If I had to put money on this fight, I would pick Lesnar as the winner, just because of his size, strength, explosiveness, and wrestling skill. I connot comment on his endurance because I haven't seen it tested yet. However mark coleman does seem to fade as the match goes on so this will be something Mark better work on. Both are wrestlers;Brock is better, both are big and strong; Brock is bigger and stronger. With this said anything can happen. The bigger, stronger, faster guy doesn't always win in the UFC. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 months ago
brock is crap
4 months ago
brock reminds me of an eleven year old girl,....all flash but no real substance
4 months ago
brock is also gay
4 months ago
LOL You think Brock is a eleven old girl thats funny I hope Brock is reading this and is cracking up in side
I first thought that this was a bad fight but it is great. At first I wanted to see Brock fight Kongo, Vera,herring and the best stand up in HW good old Tim Silvia, but lets wait. Let Brock Beat Colman the old man. 13 Years older is a lot,Colman is in trouble.
Its hard to say if Brock would of one the fight against Mir if the ref did not break it up, i think he would of.
Brock will hold the HW belt the longest, he will beat the bull Nogueira
4 months ago
mark will kick brocks ass mark is way more experienced brock is good but not as good as mark and if you guys disagree let me know i can tell mark(im his cousin)
from 4 months ago
well, I think that my writing the article and coming to the conclusion that Lesnar will probably win in the first round would suggest that I disagree. So feel free to let your cousin know that an internet writer said that he doesn't think that he should win. And while you are at it, explain to him why what I think should in any way impact his mentality or drive to win. Success, money and the fact that his job just aren't enough in your eyes apparently.
3 months ago
Colman will kiss the floor brock will treat him like an 11 yr old gurl brock sholdnt waste his time with colman brock needs to fight KIMBO ther both new to the ufc street fighter vs wrestler this will test there skills the ufc MUST MAKE THIS FIGHT HAPPEN two animals going at it i think colman has had his glory let the newbies fight it out BROCK LESNAR VS KIMBO SLICE LET THEM FIGHT LET THEM FIHGT!!!!!
2 months ago
Mark does have all of the experience, and we Brock's chin has never been tested, but htis is still an easy one to pick!!!!
I completely and totally agree with article suthor Jon Grilzs' prediction!!!!
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