Brock & Roll

Here comes the pain

The UFC 81 event takes place in Las Vegas tonight and all eyes are on the main event.

Frank Mir, a veteran of the fighting league, will be facing Brock Lesnar in his debut for the company.

Brock Lesar was a succesful amateur wrestler during his high school days and - after leaving the NCAA - he signed a contract with the WWE. He spent a few years learning the skills of professional wrestling in the grassroots company run with the WWE's vision. He was then brought up to the main roster and became 'the next big thing'.

Within months of debuting in the WWE, he became world champion and went on a lengthy run at the top of the company. In the Spring of 2004 he handed in his notice to quit the company. His reasoning behind the sudden change of heart was he hated the travel schedule that came with the job.

He then turned his attention to American football. He made it to the Minnesota Vikings' training camp but was not picked in the final roster. This ended his dream of a career in the NFL.

Lesnar then went to Japan and appeared at a New Japan card. This was a controversial move for the star as he had signed an agreement with the WWE that he would not work for another company for a lengthy period of time. This agreement was made when the company allowed his contract to be deemed void when he left the company in 2004.

The battle between Lesnar and the WWE went to court and Lesnar walked away a winner. He was able to work anywhere but the USA until the release clause ran its course. It didn't bother him, the money was waiting for him in Japan.

Last year, the former NCAA champion made his debut in mixed martial arts beating Min Soo Kim in an event in the USA. He later went on to sign a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Tonight's fight will answer a lot of questions.

Will Brock Lesnar prove to be a top draw in the UFC with the potential crossover appeal to wrestling fans?

Will the UFC fans accept him? If the reaction he got in the weigh-in is anything to go by this will be a 'no'.

And - most importantly - will he win and prove former professional wrestlers can jump to MMA and make a bigger name for thems?

UFC 81 is on Bravo tomorrow night.