5 Moments That Defined Brock Lesnar’s MMA Legacy
A polarizing figure that the MMA world won’t soon forget.
Brock Lesnar is easily one of the most polarizing figures in mixed martial arts history. He began his UFC career having already established himself as a star in professional wrestling, which led to opportunities he may not have otherwise received. Moreover, the 6'3" former NCAA Division I wrestling standout was no stranger to controversy or hardship outside the cage either.
That being said, controversial or not, when Brock Lesnar fought, people tuned in to watch. In terms of pay-per-view buy rates, he is one of the biggest draws the sport has ever seen. Of course, simply being a box office attraction doesn't necessarily make one a great fighter.
Now that the 41-year-old heavyweight has decided to hang his MMA gloves up for good, it's time to take a look at Brock Lesnar's complex MMA career.
How will Lesnar be remembered as a fighter? Was he simply an overhyped pro wrestler who could sell pay-per-views? Will the former champ be remembered as a man who defeated multiple legends inside the Octagon? Perhaps, for some fans, Brock Lesnar will go down as another PED user whose accomplishments are suspect at best.
To help answer these questions, it's time to take a look at the moments that will define Brock Lesnar's MMA legacy.
5. The Failed Drug Test
Sadly, performance-enhancing drugs are a part of many former UFC champion's legacy, and Brock Lesnar is no exception.
After an almost five year absence from the sport of mixed martial arts, Lesnar returned on 9 July 2016 to face hard-hitting heavyweight Mark Hunt at UFC 200. The former division I wrestler out of the University of Minnesota used his superior grappling skills to grind out a unanimous decision victory over Hunt.
However, the win would later be changed to a no contest when a post-fight drug test revealed that Lesnar had taken a substance called clomiphene. Clomiphene is often used to treat infertility in women, but has also been found to increase testosterone levels. The failed test resulted in a one-year suspension and a $250,000 fine.
Since Lesnar has now retired, his controversial fight with Hunt will be his last appearance inside the cage. His professional record will stand at 5-3 (1). Furthermore, his failed drug test will leave many fans and pundits wondering if PEDs played a role in any of his other UFC victories.