Quote of the Day: Brock Lesnar Paid His Dues
by ChrisNelson
on Jul 7, 2008 7:30 PM EDT
in News
"Tough [expletive deleted], buddy. Get in line. That’s just the way it is. This is a business and it’s a sport, it’s entertainment and it’s all three of those words wrapped into one. [UFC president] Dana White and [co-owners] the Fertitta brothers didn’t buy this company to say, ‘Hey let’s see if we can run this thing into the ground and not make a dime.’ They bought it to make millions and make it what it is, and that’s what they are doing. I’m just trying to have fun and get a little piece of the pie. I really enjoy it. I’m proud and honored to be a part of it. And it’s not like I didn’t pay any dues either. I wrestled amateur when I was 5 years old and put more miles in airplanes and working out. I’m 31 this year and I’ve paid dues. If [other fighters] want to be mad I think they should focus on how they can become a big contributor. They are mad because they aren’t making any money."
- Brock Lesnar, when asked how he feels about fans and fighters "lower on the totem pole" who would begrudge him his instant Octagon celebrity status.
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Paying dues in wrestling isn’t paying dues in MMA. Lesnar is in the exact boat as Kimbo Slice. The only reason Lesnar takes less crap is BECAUSE of the recognition he gets as a pro wrestling star, and the fact that he has greater potential as an MMA fighter.
by Cmad77 on Jul 7, 2008 8:09 PM EDT 0 recs
agreed.
Lesnar hasn’t paid any dues—he’s paying Dana’s bills with his enormous drawing power. 600K+ PPV buys for his 1st fight.
by steak_knife on
Jul 7, 2008 8:17 PM EDT
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Drawing power doesn't mean crap to the fans
Drawing power is great – for the business. That’s a great reason for Dana to respect Brock. And it’s a good reason for Dana to keep putting him on cards, and to pay him good money.
But it sounds like Brock thinks that his drawing power should get him some respect. Me, I respect fighters based on their accomplishments. And so far, Brock’s accomplishments are all in collegiate wrestling – a sport related to MMA, but certainly not MMA. Pro wrestling accomplishments have to do with the quality of the writers, not the performers. So far, Brock is just a great college wrestler who took a lot of steroids and spent years pretending to fight people.
He has one MMA win against a fat Korean guy with a record of 3-6 whose most notable win is over The Punk Minowa in a freak-show event. He has a loss against a guy that every MMA expert in the country was saying was washed up last year. This does not amount to a hill of beans.
Dear Brock,
Come back and talk to us about respect when you’ve got some wins. And stop doping.
Sincerely,
Everybody
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 7, 2008 8:46 PM EDT
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He has a loss against a guy that every MMA expert in the country was saying was washed up last year.
...i’m no mma expert, i just play one on the internet,...but i say Mir is still washed up…...
by robnashville on
Jul 7, 2008 9:10 PM EDT
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I’m hoping he can get back on track – he’s certainly got the talent and ability – if he spends that money he made beating Lesnar on training and getting his head right, he could be do it.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 10:30 AM EDT
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“Drawing power doesn’t mean crap to the fans”
That makes no sense. Of course it matters. FANS are WHO he’s drawing.
Do you know he took steroids?
by Beer Monster on
Jul 7, 2008 10:01 PM EDT
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...doesn’t mean crap to the fans: in terms of respect. Fedor gets a ton of respect from the hardcore fans, but has no drawing power in the US. Right? There’s a disconnect between fame, talent and accomplishment is what I’m saying.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 10:29 AM EDT
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I think the disconnect here is what you meant by “fans.” You’re referring to the hardcore set while Beer Monster is referring to the majority of PPV buyers.
by Richard on
Jul 8, 2008 2:48 PM EDT
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True – when I say fans, I don’t mean the drunken asshole at the sportsbar who just cheers for whichever fighter is American – and does so by screaming, “AMURCA! WOO!” throughout the fight.
I mean people who can actually name more than 10 fighters. I mean people who say, “Oh sure, the stand-up was fine, but I’m still pissed that we didn’t see his ground game.” I mean the kind of folks that get their kicks hanging out in the BE comments all day. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 3:14 PM EDT
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Duh.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 9, 2008 9:50 AM EDT
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Please stop insinuating that Lesnar is “doping”, since you have zero evidence to support this claim.
Thanks in advance.
by Hardcharger on
Jul 8, 2008 9:59 AM EDT
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Oh yeah, that guy is as clean as a whistle.
Oh, wait! That guy? No that guy is definitely on something. And if you can’t tell that by looking, you’ve been watching pro wrestling so long that it’s distorted your opinion of what humans should look like.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 10:31 AM EDT
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If you can find me a positive steroid test, then he’s “definitely on something”. Until then, it’s speculation…and unfair to suggest about anyone without proof. Plenty of humans have looked like that without the gas. And it has nothing to do with pro-wrestling.
by Beer Monster on
Jul 8, 2008 11:55 AM EDT
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I think you’re being naive. Those humans who told you that they looked like that without a little Vitamin S? They were lying to you.
I know, I know, it’s a shock. Breathe deeply and we’ll get through this somehow.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 12:29 PM EDT
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And I think it’s disrespectful to say someone’s doping, cheating, gassing etc. when you have absolutely zero proof. A conclusion you’ve drawn from a picture is not proof. I thought this place was all about NOT attacking fighters without legitimate reasoning?
by Beer Monster on
Jul 8, 2008 12:34 PM EDT
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This place is a blog. It is what you make of it, and besides: I don’t work here. When they give me a byline, I’ll worry about journalistic integrity.
And again: I’m sorry that you’re naive. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 12:40 PM EDT
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You strike me as a person who has never worked out much, if at all in their life, has not participated in athletics to any competitive degree, but feels then can sit back in their ivory tower and tell us who is using performance enhancers.
BTW, what in that picture indicates performance enhancers? He’s not super lean in that pic. Lesnar has always been huge, genetically. He was huge at Minnesota when he was an NCAA champ. He never failed a test there. Never failed a test when trying to make the NFL. Never failed while in MMA.
Sounds like you’re a guy who doesn’t like Lesnar, possibly because he was in pro wrestling, and are projecting that dislike to him, and anyone who appreciates his dedication and skills, and you’re reduced to making up claims that he’s a cheater.
by Hardcharger on
Jul 8, 2008 12:52 PM EDT
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Wow – usually it’s me that goes for the hardcore ad hominem! Nice! I’m going to ignore those bits though.
First: I don’t have a problem with pro wrestlers. I don’t watch, and don’t care if other people do. I think it’s a little silly, but I watch plenty of silly things. As a kid, I was a big fan of the Iron Sheik and Andre the Giant. Happy?
Second: not testing positive doesn’t mean you’re not doping, just like not getting a ticket doesn’t mean you aren’t speeding. Doping in the off-season for training is still doping, but you’ll never get caught for it. Doping with drugs that there aren’t tests for is still doping. Hell, there is no reliable test for HGH. Testing positive just means that you suck at cycling on and off, or that you have a shitty pharmacist.
Third: you don’t have to be super lean: look at Hermes Franca, Stephan Bonnar, Royce Gracie or Tim Sylvia when they tested positive. Tubbies the lot of ‘em.
As for the picture: look at any of his pictures. I just like that one because it shows off the penis-blade.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 1:05 PM EDT
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Finally
someone else who thinks Brock lost a bet and had to get something resembling a penis on his chest!
all you gotta do is...
by imapimp08 on
Jul 8, 2008 1:41 PM EDT
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Or, maybe he won a bet. You never know.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 3:12 PM EDT
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don't be a hater
Brock didn’t say anything about respect. He just said don’t hate on him becuase he’s making a ton of money doing what he loves to do and that he worked hard to get there. He seems like a stand up guy who speaks his mind. I’m be rooting for him (and Kimbo) in the future.
by !claw on Jul 7, 2008 9:08 PM EDT 0 recs
In fairness, I did pick the most incendiary quote from the interview. : )
His answer to this question almost makes me like the guy (almost)...
MMA Stomping Grounds: What was it like making your debut in the UFC on the main stage against a fighter like Mir?Lesnar: Well, it was an honor. I’m glad the company thinks highly enough of me to put me in a co-main event and it was an exciting first fight for me. It was only 90 seconds long [and] an outcome that I would like to reverse, but I enjoyed it. It takes awhile for people to find exactly who they are, and I think this is definitely me, for sure. We’re all put on this earth for some odd reason and some job title and I think this is what I should be doing.
But it’s still real tough to take anything an ex-pro wrassler (aka “actor”) says to heart. Except Saku of course.
by ChrisNelson on Jul 7, 2008 9:12 PM EDT 0 recs
C-Nelly
Do you consider yourself someone who’s words we should take to heart? If so, would you reject a multiple 6 figure salary out of college? I don’t think anyone would be foolish enough to not secure a future for themselves doing something they are qualified to do.
by !claw on
Jul 8, 2008 1:35 AM EDT
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I think he’s saying the reason it’s tough to take what a former professional wrestler says “to heart” is because he has spent years working off a script.
by Richard on
Jul 8, 2008 1:53 AM EDT
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I’ve never really understood the pro-wrestler hate. Is he a legitimate athlete? Yes. So what if he chose a different career path for a while. As stated, Saku, and a lot of japanese MMA stars, came from pro wrestling. Ken Shamrock pro-wrestled. Randleman, Coleman…both pro-wrestling. Hell, Pancrase WAS almost pro-wrestling.
Is it the whole “paying your dues” thing?
by Beer Monster on Jul 7, 2008 10:04 PM EDT 0 recs
The last part should read “Is the whole paying your dues thing not valid cuz of a lack of MMA training? That means every new guy to the sport doesn’t deserve respect for their past accomplishments in other sports (and I don’t mean WWE)”
by Beer Monster on
Jul 7, 2008 10:09 PM EDT
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Now that you mention it...
I do actually have a hard time taking Pancrase seriously.
by ChrisNelson on
Jul 7, 2008 10:20 PM EDT
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Indeed.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 11:04 AM EDT
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Nah, I think I phrased that comment poorly – I got no real gripes with Lesnar having been a WWE employee. Hell, I used to be a huge wrestling fan as a tyke and regardless of his past profession, the guy is obviously one hell of a cough natural athlete and was a phenomenal NCAA wrestler. It’s just when I read his (very well-spoken) quote about how MMA - a sport I care very much about, obv. - is basically his destiny, I wonder if he thought the squared circle and football field were “definitely him” as well.
But the only person who can really know that is Brock Lesnar, and in the meantime all we can do is wait for him to show us what he’s got in a fight that goes longer than 2 minutes. I think a sturdy gatekeeper like Heath Herring is just what the doctor ordered, and I’m looking forward to it…
by ChrisNelson on
Jul 7, 2008 10:19 PM EDT
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The dude can come off really respectful and humble answering one question, and then follow it up by being abrasive in answering the next question. I wouldn’t compare him to Kimbo, though. They’re both new to MMA, and they’re both big draws. I think Lesnar has a lot more potential. Whether you think Mir is washed up, or not, he’s way better competition than anybody Kimbo’s faced. Lesnar did control most of that short affair before he got subbed.
Just because Lesnar has some potential, that doesn’t mean I buy into his shit about paying his dues. He’s got a great opportunity. There’s no need for him to get bent out of shape, because some people don’t like him. If he’s going to make the big money in a high profile position, he’s going to have detractors. Get used to it.
by Cannon J on Jul 7, 2008 10:06 PM EDT 0 recs
agree
that Brock has a ton more potential than Kimbo. However, they both seem to be taking the sport very seriously and doing everything they can to put themselves in the best position to win. Keep in ming that Bas is controling who Kimbo is facing. Not so sure about Brock since Mir was probably one of the worst match-ups for a UFC debut.
by !claw on
Jul 8, 2008 1:30 AM EDT
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re-reading the quote at the top reminded me of one of my favorite movie quotes…from Unforgiven:
Little Bill Daggett: I don’t deserve this… to die like this. I was building a house.
Will Munny: Deserve’s got nothin’ to do with it.
Does Brock deserve the position he has been placed in? Nah,...but deserve’s got nothin to do with it like Clint said…. he gets people in the door, so that justifies his position and price tag….. of the over 600k folks who bought his UFC debut nealry half had never purchased a UFC ppv before…......that is the brock factor…what is that with the ufc’s take from the ppv receipts…another $6 to $8 million in revenue?
by robnashville on Jul 7, 2008 10:51 PM EDT 0 recs
That is a classic quote. Unforgiven is one of my favorite movies.
by Richard on
Jul 7, 2008 11:17 PM EDT
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Wonderful movie...
...and yes. Brock certainly deserves the spot he has been placed in. And he deserves it BECAUSE of the attention he draws. Half of the PRIDE events were headlined by people in the same exact situation…guys who were huge draws, but not necessarily the most skilled guys on the planet. A lot of whom were pro wrestlers. There are main eventers in this world who have the spot because they’re the best fighter, and there are some who have the spot because they’re the best draw. I think in time we’re going to see that Brock is a guy who is both of those things.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
"The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work." -- Thomas Edison
by brentbrookhouse on
Jul 8, 2008 12:17 AM EDT
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Waitaminute
So UFC events regularly do 450-600K buys, right? And 300K of the folks buying UFC 81 weren’t regular fans? So the number of normal fans who watch these events went DOWN for his appearance? Or is my math off?
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 11:03 AM EDT
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I think...
that it’s a combination of things. It was an otherwise pretty weak card (Nog-Silvia aside, and while the fight was good, Silvia is notorious for drawing poorly) that would likely have done only around 400K, which while poor by current UFC standards, is not completely terrible. Heck, the UFC would have killed for that number six years ago. However, with Lesnar-Mir, the buy rate was OVER 600K, and lots of people reported buying a UFC event for the first time afterwards. Half is probably a bit high. A third would likely be more accurate, but at that point, it’s almost splitting hairs.
by AJB on
Jul 8, 2008 1:33 PM EDT
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And I question how they determine those numbers anyway.
Regardless: does this mean that Brock ISN’T drawing the hardcore fans? I mean, some of those Brock-fans may turn up in the sales for his next event, but if they didn’t like seeing him get his ass whupped last time, are they coming back?
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on
Jul 8, 2008 3:12 PM EDT
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Good questions. Don’t think we’ll get an answer until he fights next.
by AJB on
Jul 8, 2008 4:15 PM EDT
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