When the UFC signed Brock Lesnar, it wasn’t simply adding a heavyweight fighter to the roster; it was initiating a significant shift in the promotion’s trajectory. Former UFC commentator Mike Goldberg contends that Lesnar’s arrival marked a turning point for the organization, broadening its appeal beyond its core fanbase.
Lesnar, already a household name thanks to his success in WWE, brought a pre-existing audience with him. A former NCAA Division 1 National wrestling champion, his transition to professional wrestling saw him quickly become a major star. Years after leaving WWE, Lesnar decided to test his skills in mixed martial arts, surrounding himself with experienced training partners to facilitate the transition. He debuted in the UFC in 2008 and, remarkably, captured the heavyweight championship by year’s end.
Goldberg, who commentated on all of Lesnar’s UFC fights, explained the magnitude of the signing. “There were many reasons why [Lesnar] was brought in, but [his WWE popularity] was one of the major reasons that the UFC went and signed Brock Lesnar, was to broaden the audience,” Goldberg told The Game Plan. “It was a big turning point, it was a huge moment for the [UFC]. And I do remember that Brock Lesnar is the largest human being in great shape that I ever met in my life.”
Lesnar’s presence consistently drew substantial pay-per-view buys, often exceeding one million, solidifying his status as a reliable draw for the promotion.
Mike Goldberg Reflects on Brock Lesnar’s UFC Debut Against Frank Mir
Lesnar’s entry into the UFC wasn’t without its challenges. His first fight was against former heavyweight champion Frank Mir at UFC 81. Despite holding a 1-0 record, Lesnar faced a seasoned opponent. Mir ultimately submitted Lesnar in the first round.
Goldberg recalled the significant support Lesnar received at the event, noting the presence of numerous WWE stars in attendance. Despite the loss, Goldberg observed that fans quickly recognized Lesnar’s legitimate wrestling pedigree. “I remember there were the superstars of WWE and the wrestling world, all in attendance that night that Brock fought in the octagon for the first time,” Goldberg said. “People forget, Brock Lesnar was 106-5 as a collegiate heavyweight wrestler at the University of Minnesota. So, he was legit.”
Goldberg reiterated that the signing was a pivotal moment for the UFC, expanding its reach beyond traditional MMA fans. “I remember what a major move that was for the UFC. How that did broaden the perspective not only for the wrestling fans and not only just Brock in the octagon, but then you’re seeing The Undertaker and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.”
Lesnar Once Compared UFC and WWE’s Business Models
Lesnar himself once drew parallels between the business models of the UFC and WWE, highlighting their similarities. While the UFC promotes legitimate combat sports and WWE presents scripted entertainment, both organizations fundamentally sell fights. Speaking to ESPN in 2015, Lesnar noted that the core principle was the same.
However, Lesnar also suggested that Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, was a more effective promoter than Dana White, the president of the UFC, particularly after White publicly dismissed professional wrestling as “fake.”
“[White] is trying to sell pay-per-views. He’s trying to sell money fights. It’s the same [as WWE]. [UFC] is non-rehearsed, absolutely,” he said. “The business model is the same. It’s identical, and I think Vince McMahon is better at it than Dana, and that might rub Dana the wrong way.”
