 What was Brock Lesnar thinking at UFC 100?
by Len Krieger
If you didn't get to watch the biggest pay-per-view in UFC history, then you might have missed Brock Lesnar's tirade and despicable act where he: blasted a sponsor, disrespected his opponent, embarrassed his wife, and flipped off fans in about a one minute time span. I want to know, what in the world was this guy thinking? Being the face of the UFC, and an undeniable pay-per-view draw, I think this is a question we were all wondering, after Brock Lesnar man-handled Frank Mir on Saturday night at UFC 100. I know Lesnar comes from the WWE, where things like that are not only tolerated, but often times encouraged. What he did was not only was inexcusable, it also puts another negative stigma, on the sport that has worked so hard to get rid of that type of behavior.
Now people like Michael Marley, and the rest of the world who hate MMA, have ammunition to further their agenda, about how MMA is for morons, young and virile people, and red-necks. What Brock Lesnar did was very childish and immature, but he's only one fighter, and is by no way shape or form a direct representation of what this sport is all about.
I then ask myself this question, what made Muhammad Ali any different? He used to do the same type of things before, during, and after fights; and he is still considered the "end all, be all" fighter of all times! Why was he given preferential treatment to act anyway, and say anything he wanted? Was it, because that's the only way to market fights back then? Or maybe, because its a guilty pleasure of all Americans, to route for or against the "Bad Guy?" My personal opinion is it was OK for Ali to do it, because the media is biased, and would never come out against an ethnic fighter. The media has always been cowardly, and always wants to pander to anyone that will help them reach their own personal goals, and are usually afraid by going against the status quo, they'll be labeled as "racists" or "prejudice" or become type casted and never be forgiven by their peers.
Does Brock deserve to be lambasted and fined? A part of me says yes, and a another says no. He took the high road though, and apologized for his actions. We as Americans will pretty much forgive anybody, as long as they apologize (like we did with OJ, Mike Vick, Bill Clinton, every MLB steroid user, and so on and so forth). I'm not pleased with what Brock said, but he's entitled to say whatever he wants, as the rest of us Americans are. So the man prefers Coors Light over Bud Light (I myself am a Dos Equis man, but to each his own), so does that make him a bad person? He also likes to have sex with his beautiful wife, flip off fans, and taunt his opponents.
The point is this, fighting is an emotional thing, and sometimes your emotions get the best of you, and that's what I think what happened in this case. You might feel I'm wrong, but if that's his prerogative to do such childish things from here on out, its also his right as an American citizen! Will he lose fans, gain enemies, and upset a lot of people in the process? Absolutely! I think we should worry about our own lives, and actions before we cast judgment on anyone else. He is the undisputed UFC Heavyweight champion, and will be for a long time, so its best if we just get used to his antics.  |
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