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Brock Lesnar will get his rematch with Frank Mir, only this time a title is on the line. On Monday the UFC officially announced the matchup between the two heavyweight title-holders to headline its upcoming May 23 show.
UFC 98 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where Lesnar, who owns the UFC’s heavyweight belt, and interim title-holder Mir will meet to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. It is a rematch of Lesnar’s first fight in the Octagon, in February 2008, when he was submitted by the former undisputed heavyweight champ.
“Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir put on one of the most intense one round fights I’ve ever seen at UFC 81,” UFC president Dana White said. “But when it was over, both guys saw things very differently.
“Lesnar blamed his loss on inexperience and being too aggressive, while Mir saw his win as a triumph of his technique, something he says will happen every time they fight.”
Lesnar, a four-time All-American college wrestler, made an immediate impact in mixed martial arts, beating Min Soo Kim in his debut in K-1 in June 2007. He appeared on his way to another dominant win over Mir in his first fight after signing with the UFC until the referee stopped the bout and penalized Lesnar a point for hits to the back of the head. Soon after the action resumed, Mir caught Lesnar in a knee bar submission.
Lesnar (3-1) returned with a win over Heath Herring before dethroning heavyweight champion Randy Couture in November.
“I’m delighted to have a rematch against Frank Mir,” Lesnar said. “I can’t wait to get my revenge and finish this fight on the ground the way it should have been finished last time.”
Mir (12-3), who first held the heavyweight belt when he submitted Tim Sylvia in 50 seconds in 2004, took the interim title by stopping Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in December.
“Brock Lesnar has been calling for a rematch with me ever since I beat him the first time,” said Mir. “All I can say to Brock is be careful what you wish for because I’m a better, smarter, stronger, and faster fighter than I was the last time.”
NOTES: According to reports, light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has signed a new long-term deal with the UFC, effective immediately. It will replace his current one, which he earned by winning Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter. According to Sportsnet sources, negotiations went smoothly and both sides were happy with the deal.
