Sherdog’s Top 10: Might Have Beens

---

9. Brock Lesnar

The catchphrase “Here Comes the Pain,” which once flashed across the big screen prior to Lesnar’s entrances during his time as a sports entertainment superstar, would eventually turn out to be an apt description of his MMA demise. The hulking former University of Minnesota wrestler transitioned from choreographed destruction to caged combat well enough at first, winning the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight crown in just his fourth professional bout.

Not everyone appreciated Lesnar’s meteoric rise, as he was viewed by many as an outsider who had not truly earned his lofty status. Still, his heel demeanor and frightening blend of size and athleticism were a boon to the company. Every Lesnar pay-per-view was an event, and after his victory over Frank Mir at UFC 100, there was arguably no bigger star in the promotion. However, that would be the last time the Team Death Clutch product would be at his peak.

A bout with diverticulitis shelved the then-champion for a year, nearly taking his life and forcing him to change his diet and approach. Lesnar was successful in his return to action against Shane Carwin at UFC 116, but he hardly looked like a dominant force in escaping a harrowing first round against the Grudge Training Center export. He relinquished the title to Cain Velasquez some three months later and then, the debilitating disease came calling once more, taking a foot of his colon in the process.

While the skilled feet and knees of Alistair Overeem certainly had something to do with it, Lesnar appeared to be but a shell of himself when he finally returned to the Octagon after another lengthy hiatus. After the Dutchman dispatched Lesnar with a liver kick to become the division’s new No. 1 contender at UFC 141, the onetime heel elected to call it a career.

“I’ve had a really difficult couple of years with my disease,” Lesnar said. “I’m going to officially say that tonight is the last night you will see me in the Octagon.”

Number 8 » Cover Jinx