BROCK IT UP TO A GOOD PERFORMANCE

BROCK IT UP TO A GOOD PERFORMANCE

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By The Yacman, Ron Yacovetti

So after weeks of critical commentary, some funny jokes on The Yac & J's MMA and BOXING Show, I finally see the light at the end of the Lesnar tunnel. But it's just the flicker of light, not the whole rainbow with Skittles flying about, quite yet.

...yes I wrote this while slightly hungry.

Anyway...Brock Lesnar showed a leap forward in skill and mostly, game plan. He struck first with a more seasoned striker, he got takedowns at will and then followed each of them up, with ground domination. No one can deny his mega-fists in the largest UFC gloves ever made, will wreck a target if they connect. It was nice to see him able and willing to strike first in a fight.

And while many Ground and Pounder guys will execute such a plan, it still lacks something to see him ride Herring's back like a rodeo cowboy and not even try a basic, rear naked choke when he is likely as difficult to escape from as alcatraz. Even the highly criticized newbie from EliteXC, Kimbo Slice, attempted a guillotine choke on James Thompson. But yes, he also didn't close his guard and gave up dominant position in an instant.

The promise of how much a beast Lesnar can be as a heavyweight in MMA is much easier to see now. But, the large hole that Mir exploited to beat him remains open for business.

Heath Herring has a ground game, but it is still difficult to imagine Minotauro, Fedor, Barnett or even Mir being unable to contend with Lesnar's wrestling ground control. One of those top heavyweights would be able to grab an arm or leg or ankle and submit the big man, still.

Is Brock Lesnar on his way? Yes, it seems he is. Is Lesnar there yet? Not quite...and Cheick Kongo, should they fight next, isn't the right barometer to find out. A natural striker with mediocre ground game will be taken down and controlled by Lesnar. That seems clear. It would take top level take down defense to stop the former WWE freight train as he shoots in, fully committed to the move.