Aug 10, 2008 - 06:31:05 CDT
MINNEAPOLIS - Brock Lesnar tamed the "Texas Crazy Horse" on Saturday, scoring an easy unanimous decision victory over veteran Heath Herring in an Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight bout.The former Bismarck State College national champion wrestler clearly learned from his UFC debut, a loss to former champ Frank Mir. As in that bout, Lesnar used his grappling skills to dominate the bout. But this time he was more patient and didn't open himself to any submissions, as he did against Mir.
"I fell off the horse against Frank Mir, and tonight I got on that stallion and rode it out of town, baby," an excited Lesnar told announcer Joe Rogan on the pay-per-view telecast.
All three judges scored the fight 30-26, giving Lesnar all three rounds, plus an extra point for a knockdown in the first round. Lesnar improved to 2-1 in his mixed martial arts career and 1-1 in UFC. Herring is 29-14-1.
Lesnar came out flying _ literally _ missing with a surprising flying knee at the start of the bout. Just seconds later Lesnar threw his first punch, dropping Herring with a right hand just eight seconds into the fight. The punch opened a cut under the left eye of Herring.
The two locked up against the side of the cage and were in a clinch for a long while. When they separated Lesnar scored a takedown at about 1:20 and rode Herring for the rest of the round. Lesnar scored with a punch to the side of the head midway through the round, then landed several knees to the body. Herring had no offense at all in the first five minutes.
Lesnar used the same patient strategy over the final two rounds, scoring takedowns and using his wrestling skill to control Herring on the ground. Although he was in position to go for a submission several times, Lesnar was content to mostly use knees to the body, several of which clearly hurt Herring. He landed two late in the second round that did damage, including one with 36 seconds to go that buckled Herring.
Clearly in control of the fight, Lesnar seemed content to smother Herring and get the decision. He did attempt a rear naked choke with about two minutes remaining, and Herring was able to scramble free. But after Herring threw a couple of ineffective knees and punches, Lesnar got another takedown and never gave Herring any offense.
"I've just been trying to work on everything, every single day to get better, to be a well-rounded heavyweight fighter and a contender in the UFC," Lesnar said.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.