He won an NCAA grappling title, and ruled the roost of WWE professional wrestling, but Brock Lesner readily admits mixed martial arts is a new game. "Every day I'm tryin to polish my striking, kicking, jujitsu, jujitsu defense," he explained. "There's alot to learn in this sport."
Lesnar and his handlers invited the media to a workout and press conference Wednesday morning, to promote his upcoming fight with Heath Herring at UFC 87; Seek and Destroy, August 9th at Target Center. It's the first major mixed martial arts card to be held in the Twin Cities.
"Life is full of opportunity, and I've done the right thing to seize the opportunities," Lesnar told reporters, as they talked about his past adventures, which include a 2004 tryout with the Vikings.
He made millions as a WWE sensation, but the trappings of fame took a toll on the former South Dakota farm boy. The scripted action and storylines also made Lesnar long for 'real' competition.
"That's one of the reasons he wanted to get out of professional wrestling and into football, he wanted to compete again," said David Olsen, Lesnar's longtime agent and attorney. "He wanted the real deal and it doesn't get any more real than mixed martial arts fighting."
Lesnar found out just 'how' real during his first Ultimate fighting championship bout in February. He stormed out at the bell and dominated veteran MMA fighter Frank Mir, but lost concentration and fell into a submission hold.
"I got over excited, got sloppy in my first fight, and I think this fight you're going to see a calmer fighter in me, and a much more polished fighter," Lesnar promised. "I'm gonna win this fight, that's my number one goal."
(Copyright 2008 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
