Brock Lesnar: The Best Thing to Happen to MMA or the Worst?

Brock Lesnar is one of the most recognizable fighters in mixed martial arts right now. Getting plenty of publicity, one would think he was a movie star.

Part of what makes him known is his past experience with World Wrestling Entertainment.

The 6'3", 265-pound heavyweight out of Minnesota is making quite the boom across the MMA world.

Regardless of what one thinks of him, it cannot be denied that Lesnar is making an impact, but is he the best thing to happen to MMA or the worst?

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, or like him on Facebook.

Positive: Brought Fans to the Sport from Professional Wrestling

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13: MMA fighter Brock Lesnar walks in the garage area during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)

It is no secret that Brock Lesnar left the professional wrestling scene with a bang, leaving the entertainment industry to pursue a career in the NFL.

After being cut by the Minnesota Vikings, Lesnar tried to once again join pro wrestling because fans still had the urge to see Lesnar at events and watch him wrestle.

Although he wanted to wrestle again, he didn't want to join forces with the WWE and decided instead to pursue a career in the burgeoning world of MMA.

The UFC picked this opportunity up after the almost viral video of him fighting in Dynamite!! USA. The UFC saw an opportunity to give the fans something they wanted and grow their audience.

This is just what they needed: a former professional wrestler who used to have a strong fanbase. Lesnar joining their company was sure to draw fans to the sport, and it did.

Negative: Created Drama as He Was Still a Part of Wrestling

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: The Undertaker and ECW Champion Kane stand in the ring as the look down to Bam Neely, Chavo Guerrero, and The Great Khali during WWE Smackdown at Acer Arena on June 15, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty

In Lesnar's first few matches, he tended to stir up a lot of drama. This goes both ways, but it seemed as though Lesnar felt he was still a part of the pro wrestling scene and needed to add another story line to his career.

Whether a publicity move or not, it worked and got him attention, and got the sport attention, but it seemed to anger a lot of loyal UFC old-timers.

Negative: Illness

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13: MMA fighter Brock Lesnar(C) speaks with Kevin Harvick(L), driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet, and team owner Richard Childress during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13,

Although it wasn't his fault he got sick, it still hurt the sport and some of its main cards. He was scheduled to fight at UFC 106, but it was postponed multiple times, and finally it happened at UFC 116, where he defeated Shane Carwin.

The illness seemed to be dragged on by Lesnar's attempt to get Canadian health care while already hunting in Canada.

Positive: Dominance

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LAS VEGAS - JULY 11: Brock Lesnar reacts after knocking out Frank Mir during their heavyweight title bout during UFC 100 on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Besides his first defeat at the hands of Frank Mir, Lesnar has been very dominant in UFC, compiling a record of 5-1. He is the current Heavyweight Champion, and his fights are highly sought after on PPV and in person.  

Lesnar is really a freak of nature. He is just a big guy and can flat-out fight. It doesn't matter if he pummels you to a TKO or submits you using his collegiate wrestling background; he will give a good fight.

In his upcoming fight against Cain Velasquez at UFC 121, he will be tested, once again, in a highly anticipated fight that has the MMA world buzzing.

The Verdict

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LAS VEGAS - JULY 11: Brock Lesnar holds down Frank Mir during their heavyweight title bout during UFC 100 on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Lesnar has been the greatest thing that has happened to MMA. He has caused many new fans to gain exposure to the sport and has just created a better atmosphere for the world of mixed martial arts.

Although he has created negative drama with his trash talking, he has still brought attention to the sport and made it more popular. That negative, which many old-time UFC fans hate, is what's driving the sport to what it is today.

The illness that caused Lesnar to delay his fights over the past year was also something good for the sport. It gave the fans time away from Lesnar, which ultimately led to his next matches being some of the biggest turnouts in UFC history.

Overall, Lesnar is the biggest attraction in the UFC. They use him to promote everything, even giving him a TV show leading up to his match at UFC 121 to build even more hype.

Without Lesnar, the sport would not be at the same level that it is now, and the UFC needs to thank him for that.