<B>By MATT MOLGAARD<BR>
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR>
Come Saturday night two of the most dangerous heavyweights in mixed martial arts will meet when champion Brock Lesnar (5-1) looks to defend his title against the undefeated Cain Velasquez (8-0). It is, perhaps the most important heavyweight bout since Mirko Crocop challenged Fedor Emelianenko over five years ago under the Pride banner.<BR><BR>
The reason being? We?ve got two of the top five ranked heavyweights in the world meeting to determine who is the clear-cut heavyweight king. Not only that, but we?re looking at two men who have memorable personalities and unique public personas. Cain is a humble fellow, brimming with fan appreciation and an endearing self deprecating quality (though he?s got no need for it, the man is becoming a monster, the self criticism can take a break). Meanwhile Brock Lesnar is the biggest draw in MMA history, and he?s the perfect heel with a novel of quotes tucked in his trunks.<BR><BR>
Few in the heavyweight division these days pose much of a threat (save for perhaps Junior dos Santos, Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem) to either man in all honesty. Velasquez has stopped seven of eight opponents. Amongst his victims are former Pride fighting Championships heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, former International Fight League standout Ben Rothwell, and the always dangerous striker Cheick Kongo. Of those three men, only Kongo managed to survive a full 15 minutes.<BR><BR>
Throughout his brief career Cain has shown marked improvement in the striking department, learning to string precise, powerful punches together. He?s also no slouch on the ground; he?s a two-time All American collegiate wrestler, and he?s developed a sturdy submission game that should prevent him from being caught in any arm-triangle chokes. Factor in a highly impressive ability to recover and a solid clinch game and you?re looking at one of the most well rounded men in MMA.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
Meanwhile champion Brock Lesnar is carving out a similar path, though he looks to be evolving at a slightly slower rate. Brock has devastating power in his fists, but his combinations lack the fluidity of Velasquez?s. He?s clearly improved since his 2007 debut, but he hasn?t excelled at the same rate as his foe, that appears obvious. While touting the superior wrestling credentials (Brock is a former NCAA champion with a wrestling record of 106-5), Brock hasn?t learned to utilize his wrestling in a cage quite as well as Velasquez has, though he?s got an explosive double leg when he happens to time the shot perfectly. In short, he?s a bigger version of Velasquez, with a little less shine on his game, which is no knock - the man?s had a mere six professional bouts.<BR><BR>
Within those six bouts lies a telling story, I should mention. While Velasquez has disposed of one former champion, Lesnar has put away two, Frank Mir and Randy Couture, both in devastating fashion. He also stopped the seemingly unbeatable power puncher Shane Carwin with a come-from-behind submission victory. This is a man who?s got serious heart, and an unwavering will to win.<BR><BR>
So, who has the advantage? I?m leaning toward Velasquez. Despite the glaring size difference, he?s got the physical tools and composure to get the job done. Should Lesnar draw first blood however, and dictate a relentless ground-and-pound influenced pace, Cain could wilt, or worse, go to sleep. It is in all actuality a toss-up fight. Neither man has a wealth of experience, but both are supremely gifted. One way or the other, whomever should exit the cage Saturday night the victor, they?ve got a dangerous challenge in Junior dos Santos waiting in the wings.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
UFC 121: "Lesnar vs. Velasquez" emanates from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California this Saturday, October 23 live on pay-per view. If you're short on the $50 to watch the fights live on PPV -- fear not -- as MMANEWS.COM will once again set the standards for live results coverage of a mixed-martial arts event as we provide detailed, live play-by-play of the entire UFC 121 show this Saturday night (preliminary bouts included).<BR><BR>
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