Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem: 5 Burning Questions Heading into UFC 141

At UFC 141, MMA's most famous face will tangle with the sport's most explosive heavyweight. That's right: The human Humvee that is Brock Lesnar returns to the Octagon Dec. 30 for a demolition derby with armored Ferrari Alistair Overeem.

That's according to the Los Angeles Times and a variety of other news outlets. Once this baby jumps out of the papers and into the cage, well, I don't see it ending ambiguously.

Here are five burning questions as fans already start to look ahead to this monstrous collision.

5. Is Brock Lesnar Healthy?

One question to rule them all, and in the conference calls bind them.

After Lesnar's first battle with diverticulitis, he came back with a vengeance. In fact, resulting dietary changes looked as if they might have done Lesnar's body good, as he appeared leaner and meaner in outlasting Shane Carwin at UFC 116.

But now, after the second attack (one in which he received surgery to remove 12 inches of his colon), it is anybody's guess (including probably Lesnar's) just how Lesnar will return.

On the other hand, it's a pretty safe bet that you might hear one or two more mentions of this in the run-up to UFC 141.

4. Can Overeem Stand Up to Lesnar's Bull Rush?

Both of these men operate with all the nuance and subtlety of a Katt Williams treatise.

Lesnar, the accomplished wrestler, will try to take Overeem down and bully him on the ground. Overeem, the accomplished kickboxer, will try to keep the fight standing and bully Lesnar on the feet.

In his nearly 50-fight MMA career, Overeem, in my opinion, has never faced a wrestler on par with Lesnar. This ain't Fabricio Werdum we're talking about. Lesnar is a bit like an MLB power pitcher: Here's my best move, try to stop it.

And it's a very overpowering move.

If Overeem can at least give Lesnar something to think about as he shoots (something like, oh, a knee), then he'll have a leg up out of the box.

(Photo credit: Showtime)

3. Can Lesnar Stand Up to Overeem"s Striking?

See previous slide. Reverse it. Thanks.

I guess I should write more.

When last we saw Lesnar, he was literally falling over himself to get out of the way of Cain Velasquez's fists. If he hasn't rectified his reticence in this area, it will be a long (meaning short) night for Lesnar.

With his K-1 background, Overeem and his hands, feet and knees are as sharp and brutal as heavyweight striking gets.


(Photo credit: Scott Peterson/MMA Weekly)

2. Will the 'Reem Get Rattled Under the Lights?

It is no secret that Alistair Overeem can become psyched out in the cage. He's the classic bully who hates to be bullied.

For whatever reason, against a top opponent or in a particularly high-pressure situation, Overeem doesn't always show up. Cases in point: two losses to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, two to Shogun Rua, one each to Chuck Liddell and Ricardo Arona. His chin is suspect, as well, with seven of his 11 career losses coming on a striking-related stoppage.

If any situation would seem to present Overeem with another golden opportunity for failure—or redemption—it is UFC 141. His Octagon debut, in a heavyweight title eliminator, going against a consummate mauler in Brock Lesnar, and it all comes after a roundly criticized exit from the Strikeforce promotion.

It's make or break time for the Demolition Man.

(Photo credit: Scott Peterson/MMA Weekly)

1. Who Will Have the Most Gas in the Tank?

Given Lesnar's aforementioned health problems and Overeem's aforementioned willpower problems, the question of stamina becomes all the more interesting.

It's possible both men will look for the quick finish. But what if it doesn't happen?

Lesnar, a natural-born athlete, has always had surprisingly good endurance for a man his size. Overeem? Not so much. But what if Lesnar is now diminished physically, in such a way that no amount of training can overcome it? How will Overeem respond if Lesnar forces him to carry his weight on the mat or against the cage? If Lesnar takes a licking, will he keep ticking?

This is a lot of questions rolled into one, which is why it might be the key mystery once the cage door closes on Dec. 30.