Brock Lesnar Will Defeat Alistair Overeem at UFC 141

Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem will meet in one of the most important bouts in the heavyweight division this year.

The 265-pound Lesnar is set to return after being sidelined with diverticulitis, which kept him out of action for the last 14 months. That amount of time spent away from the Octagon wouldn't benefit for any fighter, and Lesnar is no different especially at 34 years old.

The former UFC heavyweight champion was last seen against Cain Velasquez at UFC 122, where he would find himself overmatched and beaten up, as he relinquished the UFC heavyweight title.

Despite an uninspiring tenure fighting at 205 pounds, Overeem's transition to the heavyweight division has been successful as the Dutchman has to yet to lose since his debut in 2008. Overeem's 255-pound muscular frame has also helped him enjoy an 11-fight unbeaten streak with notable wins over Paul Buentello, Fabricio Werdum and Todd Duffee.

"The Demolition Man" has also kept active by competing in multiple organizations throughout the world, becoming world champion in K-1 and DREAM.

Friday's main event between Overeem and Lesnar is surely have an impact on the division, as the winner is expected to enter into the title picture and challenge UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos in 2012. Either competitor have the skills and ability to reign atop the division. 

Overeem is one of the most diverse and accomplished heavyweight strikers in mixed martial arts today.

The 31-year-old possesses raw power and technique in his striking, as well as holding efficient grappling skills. One of Overeem's biggest strength's is in the clinch, where he has noticeably enjoyed a size and strength advantage over nearly all of his opponents and manhandled them with a barrage of knees. 

Lesnar is a freakishly strong and gifted athlete who is a former NCAA national wrestling champion and one of the most physically imposing fighters in the sport today.

His size and strength allows him to immediately impose his will and land the take down successfully, and maintaining good control and posture while in top position. Standing at 6'3", Lesnar is also extremely quick and agile on the feet, making his wrestling much harder to defend against.

Lesnar has been susceptible to superior strikers and he has often showed an inability to defend strikes properly. Considering his bouts against Velasquez and Shane Carwin, one would expect Overeem will enjoy a distinct advantage on the feet. However, Overeem's status has been questioned as he has not faced credible competition, and Lesnar's combination of strength and speed is hard to overcome. 

Look for Overeem to employ his striking and try to land early and often on his opponent, until Lesnar imposes his size and strength and attempts to wear him down. Lesnar will look for the takedown and employ his ground-and-pound on Overeem, completely dominating him on the ground before a referee stoppage.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar by a first-round TKO.