Where Does Brock Lesnar Rank Among the All-Time UFC Heavyweight Champions?

Brock Lesnar continues to build his legacy as one of the top heavyweights in UFC history

The UFC has only been around for twenty years and, while it hasn’t had the time to develop the kind of aura amongst it’s heavyweight fighters that boxing has (Jack Johnson, Marciano, Ali), it does have it's share of impact personalities. Considering exactly where the UFC Heavyweight Champions rank isn’t about who would beat who, but where the fighter stands in the hearts and minds of fight fans. What impact did they have, or are they having, on the lead organization in the world’s fastest growing sport? From a list that includes Mark Coleman, Maurice Smith, Randy Couture, Bas Rutten, Kevin Randleman, Josh Barnett, Rico Rodriguez, Tim Sylvia, Frank Mir and now Brock Lesnar, there are only three who pop: Coleman, Couture and Lesnar.

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Mark Coleman

Coleman was the first UFC champ. When he won and defended his title it was as if he was unbeatable. He had one of the most incredible physiques of the time, and his moniker, ‘The Hammer,’ was apt. Until he lost to Smith his losing to anyone seemed improbable. His strength, control and domination were that total.

Randy Couture

Randy Couture has won the HW crown more than once by defeating men much larger than he, something fighters in other weight classes usually don't have to do. In his runs he has defied odds most analysts and fans thought impossible. I’ve met very few fans who thought Couture would beat Rizzo or Gonzaga. From fight one Couture showed skeptics that a competitor, rather than a bad ass, can become one of the best fighters in the world not in spite of but because of his respect for his opponents.

Brock Lesnar

Lesnar is the 21st Century’s Coleman; larger than life with a Spider Man Villain’s physique. With only six fights notched on his belt, however, Lesnar has a way to go before he could be considered top dog. Although Lesnar TKOed Couture to gain the title, Couture’s legacy is hard to beat. If Lesnar can defeat Velasquez and Dos Santos after that, hold onto the belt in an ever deepening field and continue to mature as a representative of the sport, it will be hard to deny the Minnesotan his place at the top.

Even though Lesnar’s pro wrestling background has brought in a slew of fans, raised pay per views to new levels and has helped mainstream the UFC, he has not yet had the affect that Couture has had over the years, namely that of a true ambassador for the sport. There are indications that this is changing, but can anyone ever eclipse Couture’s status without rushing into a burning building and rescuing a family of eight? Nope.

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Jack Johnson was the heavyweight boxing champion in a white man’s world. Rocky Marciano retired undefeated and died in a plane crash. Ali’s greatest fight was outside the ring, when he stood up for his religion, sacrificing his career and name to fight the big fight. The UFC hasn’t been around long enough to have fighters with that kind of history. Maybe one day. But the organization does have some stellar personalities.

Lesnar is becoming a great delegate for the sport and for now ranks second all-time amongst UFC heavyweight champs, behind The Natural. He probably wouldn't argue, but I won’t say this to Lesnar’s face.

By Renko Styranka
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer