1. Centennial Man
Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
UFC 100 “Lesnar vs. Mir 2”
July 11, 2009 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas
Hate him or love him, Lesnar was undeniably the sport’s biggest draw, which helped him to receive a title shot in just his third UFC bout. Beating the beloved Randy Couture to capture the heavyweight strap only served to make the massive South Dakota native even more reviled by the masses.
It was only fitting that Lesnar would headline the promotion’s centennial event, a card that drew more mainstream attention than the sport had ever previously received. Lesnar took care of business, stopping Frank Mir with punches in round two to avenge a previous loss to the submission artist in his UFC debut. Once victory was achieved, Lesnar launched into full-blown, sports entertainment heel mode, as he taunted the fallen Mir and screamed, flexed and spit into the TV cameras. Things got even more outrageous during the champion’s post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Egged on by a hostile crowd, Lesnar sounded as though he was still on Vince McMahon’s payroll.
“Keep booing, keep booing. I love it,” he yelled. “Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him that a year ago. I pulled that sumb---- out, and I beat him over the head with it.”
Lesnar was not done, however, as he offered a few thoughts on his immediate future, none of which included prospective opponents. Keep in mind, Bud Light sponsors the UFC.
“I’m gonna go home tonight. I’m gonna drink a Coors Light. That’s a Coors Light because Bud Light won’t pay me nothing. I’m gonna sit down with my friends and family, and, hell, I might even get on top of my wife tonight,” he said.
The usually media-averse Lesnar would never do another interview quite like that one, nor would he be as dominant in the Octagon as he was at UFC 100. However, for one night, he had everyone talking MMA.