Keys to Victory: Brock Lesnar
Published by Dave Sholler on November 11th, 2008 in Current Events

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He has had just three professional fights, yet Brock Lesnar (2-1) somehow finds himself at the top of the UFC heavyweight heap. When the former World Wrestling Entertainment star challenges Randy Couture (16-8) for the UFC heavyweight crown on November 15 at UFC 91, he intends to prove that he deserves the title shot. Moreover, the former collegiate wrestling champion is set on showing that he belongs in the title picture.

Before he locks horns with Couture at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, MMAMemories.com takes a look at the Lesnar’s keys to victory. Without question, the 31-year-old contender will have his work cut out for him when he challenges “The Natural.”

Key One: Stay off your back

While Lesnar is a phenomenal wrestler, his grappling leaves a lot to be desired. Although he thoroughly dominated Heath Herring at UFC 87 and took the former PRIDE star down at will, Lesnar looked clueless on the ground. He’ll need to improve if he is to compete with Couture.

A master of working out of the guard, Couture will surely look to corral Lesnar and pin his shoulders to the mat. From there, the 45-year-old champion seeks to land devastating strikes. It is no place for a Couture foe to be, even if that foe weighs 265 pounds.

For Lesnar, it is vital to stay off his back. His size and strength will simply be neutralized if he cannot scramble.

Key Two: Prepare to be countered

Lesnar showed heavy hands against Herring. With just one punch, Lesnar floored the sturdy-chinned Texan and looked like the second-coming of Muhammad Ali. However, let’s not get too excited about the Minnesotan’s striking just yet.

In order to be successful against Couture, Lesnar will need to be able to defend the counter punch. Couture has long trademarked looping counter strikes, having dropped the likes of Tim Sylvia and Gabriel Gonzaga in recent bouts. This should be concerning to Lesnar. Given that Randy doesn’t mind taking one to give one; Lesnar will need to have sound boxing technique.

Key Three: Win the Clinch

Couture boasts one of the best clinches in the game. From dirty boxing to landing knee strikes, Couture can easily turn the tide of a match if he is able to control the fight in close quarters.

This could be a deceiving factor for Lesnar. Since he is the stronger, more athletic fighter, Lesnar may believe that he can overpower his seasoned opponent. However, Lesnar needs to be smart inside the clinch. The clinch always favors the competitor who understands how to use both leverage and power. Couture knows this. That’s why he’s historically been able to win the battle inside against much stronger fighters.

The recipe for Lesnar involves measuring both his explosiveness and agility. He cannot afford to get sloppy. He must be calculated and avoid the pitfalls of being overzealous. The clinch favors the more technical, educated fighter.

Key Four: Be more productive in dominant positions

This one is simple. If Lesnar ends up on top of Couture like he did Herring, he needs to punish his opponent. No cowboy rides. No looking like a deer in headlights. Lesnar needs to land punches. Drop knees. Look for submissions. He must make the 45-year-old defend his title. Better yet, he must push the pace against a fighter who has been inactive since August 2007. If he does, he could be looking at his first heavyweight title.