FullContactMMA

Lesnar vs. Mir II: In Depth Prediction

Striking

Brock Lesnar: Despite being popular for his dominant wrestling, Lesnar has proved to the mixed martial arts community that his stand up game is no less than brutal. The power behind his hands can produce devastating results; tumbling Herring into a near backflip and knocking Couture down with just a glancing blow. In addition to his overwhelming power, Brock Lesnar out strikes his opponents with blue streak speed. With a man this size, the combination can become unbearable for almost anyone. But if you think Lesnar's stand up is limited to his physical dexterity, think again. Lesnar was able to land 67% of his strikes against our beloved Frank Mir, 71 % of his strikes against Randy Couture, and 90 % of his strikes against Heath Herring! And in case you were wondering, those are all respectively high percentages.

Frank Mir: Although he may be able to submit just about anyone, he also has the ability to knockout just about anyone. In his latest UFC victory, Frank Mir had the pleasure of giving Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira the first knockout of his MMA career. This was a task that remained unaccomplished by Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Heath Herring, and Dan Henderson; just to name a few. Although Frank Mir has proved his right amongst the most mechanical strikers in the sport, it is important to note that in his fight against Brock Lesnar, Mir was not able to land a strike of any kind. However, as the fighters say it, a win is a win.

The Edge: Due to their first performance and Brock Lesnar's dangerous striking power; the edge goes to Brock Lesnar.

Grappling

Brock Lesnar: Grappling is undoubtedly the strongest facet of Lesnar's Game. He finished his amateur wrestling career as a two time NJCAA All American, 1998 NJCAA Heavyweight Champion, two time NCAA All American, two time Big Ten Conference Champion, and the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college. In his UFC career, Lesnar has showed unparalleled dominance in his wrestling. Overall, Lesnar has a 72% takedown percentage, and a 100% takedown percentage against Frank Mir. In his dominating victory over Heath Herring, Lesnar passed Herring's guard twice and obtained the mount a total of three times. This was perhaps Lesnar's most decisive display of his wrestling, controlling a considerably large heavyweight for three full rounds landing damaging blows throughout.

Frank Mir: Although it is often overlooked, Mir did score a takedown against Brock Lesnar. In fact, in his last three UFC fights, Mir's total takedown percentage is 100%. Being a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsi, if it is up to Frank Mir, the fight is going to be on the ground. And when it gets to the ground, Mir is one of the best in the business at finding a place to catch his opponent. It is also rarely noted that Frank Mir was a 1998 Nevada State Wrestling Champion. On a less flattering note, Mir has an overall 20% takedown defense percentage in his UFC career.

The Edge: Due to experience, takedown strength, and an overall dominance in grappling statistics; the edge goes to Brock Lesnar.

Submissions

Brock Lesnar: If there has been one worry for Brock Lesnar, it is his ability to handle the submission game with his lack of MMA experience. Unlike wrestling and boxing (while they are no doubt just as useful skill sets), understanding the art of Jiu Jitsu and other submissions is a practice that requires years of experience. And when he first faced Frank Mir, Lesnar displayed this beautifully. According to his peers at the Minnesota Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Lesnarhas more than learned from mistakes. For the sake of Lesnar, let us hope so.

Frank Mir: As one of the top Brazillian Jiu Jitsu fighters in the sport, Mir's submissions remained unrivaled throughout much of his division. Mir holds a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt under RicardoPires which he obtained in 2004. In his overall mixed martial arts career, 58% of his career wins have been submission victories. In his UFC career, Mir holds a 26% submission success rate. It is also important to note that Frank Mir has never been submitted in his mixed martial arts career.

The Edge: Due to a consistency of UFC submission victories, and a black belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu; the edge goes to Frank Mir.

Final Prediction

Round 1: The two fighters circle, waiting for one to ensue action. Mir grows closer as Lesnar lands a jab and misses a right hook. Mir ties up with Lesnar. The two each have over unders in the clinch. Herb Dean quickly breaks the two as they exchange weak knees. Lesnar rushes in with a left hook that is blocked. The fighters again clinch, but this time Lesnar backs Mir against the cage. Lesnar has double underhooks and scores a high single leg takedown. Lesnar looks cautious in Mir's guard but does not hesitate to throw strikes as he presses against Mir's body, no hits damage Mir as he tries his best to remain wrist control. After no advancement in position, Herb Dean stands the fighters up. Lesnar comes in with no hesitation, clipping Mir with a left jab, then right cross. While Lesnar ensues forward, he misses with a right hook. Mir swings low, hitting the body of Brock Lesnar, and follows with a lead leg kick which is caught by Lesnar.Lesnar manages to strike the unbalanced Mir as he falls to the ground; Lesnar in guard. Mir seems hurt after the exchange. Lesnar is able to posture up and land two or three good shots before the round comes to an end.

Round 2: A soft leg kick lands for Mir. Mir grazes with a left hook, but misses with the right hook follow. A lunging Lesnar is blocked by Mir. Lesnar reels Mir with a counter right cross as Mir nearly stumbles backward. Lesnar follows up with a series of unanswered punches that sends Frank Mir down. Lesnar immediately takes side control and ensues with a series of hammerfists. It is obvious Mir is on queer street as Herb Dean watches closely. Mir gives up his back asLesnar lands two hard knees to the torso. Mir's body seems to fall limp as Herb dean steps in at 1:43 giving Lesnar the TKO.

by Dean Christensen