Mir/Lesnar = Griffin/Bonnar?

joeyt · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 05:43 PM

Months ago there was a thread asking if you were to show someone who is not a MMA fan one fight to get them into the sport what would it be and I argued that it would have to be Griffin/Bonnar 1. The reason being that while not technically sound, it attracted more fans to the sport than any other fight in the history of MMA.

Now, I pose this question will the heavily promoted UFC debut of Brock Lesnar have the same impact on the world of MMA given the name value? Will fans who order the card just to see Lesnar fight become fans of the sport due to any of the other fights on the card?

TheDirtySis · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 05:49 PM

It should bring a lot of fans. I have friends that are not diehard MMA fans like me and they have no idea who Brock Lesnar is cuz they dont watch WWE either. But even if you dont know who he is when you look at him you are automatically curious to see whats gonna happen when a big bastard like that fights.

sandywh · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 05:57 PM

I highly doubt that this fight will have that kind of impact.

In order to have that same impact now, you'd have to have some pretty compelling undercard fights. If the other main event were Silva / Henderson or GSP / Serra then this could come off right, but Nog / Sylvia, although a good fight, is not exactly a marquee match up. Plus there was no replacing Bonnar / Griffin. Two guys beating each others brains in an effort to live their dreams. Add to that sentiment that both guys are extremely charismatic and it makes for a great event.

subman · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 06:56 PM

It sure has attracted a lot of "let;s see the pro wrestler get his ass kicked" attention.

If Lesnar pulls off a win, he could get some marquee value back to the heavyweights. I am talking about name value, not quality value.

It is always good to have a guy the fans love to hate...

edgesince84 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandywh

Add to that sentiment that both guys are extremely charismatic

I wouldn't exactly call Bonnar "extremely charismatic." Those aren't the first words that come to my mind.

baba · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgesince84

I wouldn't exactly call Bonnar "extremely charismatic." Those aren't the first words that come to my mind.

Oh cmon, he's got a good sense of humor. You're telling us he NEVER made you laugh? Not even once?

edgesince84 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 09:22 PM

No. I actually loathe Bonnar, but I'm not dwelling on it.

I also disliked Bonnar / Griffin's finale fight on TUF. I'm a BJJ / Judo fan, and that match contained zero MMA, just fighting.

baba · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgesince84

No. I actually loathe Bonnar, but I'm not dwelling on it.

I also disliked Bonnar / Griffin's finale fight on TUF. I'm a BJJ / Judo fan, and that match contained zero MMA, just fighting.

Wow! Loathe is a strong word. You are correct -- it wasn't a technical fight by any standard, but it was one helluva brawl.

Just out of curiosity....what fight are you looking forward to the most tonight?

Severn · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008, 11:12 PM

It won't be the same because unlike Forrest/Bonner this fight with Brock ain't free.

sandywh · #10 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Severn

It won't be the same because unlike Forrest/Bonner this fight with Brock ain't free.

Bonnar / Griffin = winner gets a watch and a Scion

Lesnar / Mir = winner gets $1M and title contention

I'll take 2 dudes fighting for food over 2 dudes fighting for favor.