BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN
For The Miami Herald
Former World Wrestling Entertainment star Bobby Lashley says a mixed martial arts bout between he and UFC champ Brock Lesnar, another former WWE star, will happen.
”I am a wrestler, and Brock is a wrestler. If [Lesnar] wants to match skills, we match skills,” said a confident Lashley, after defeating Joshua Franklin in their MMA debuts Saturday, Dec. 13 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
“There is going to be a meeting between me and Brock. There will be.”
First, Lashley defeated Franklin at the inaugural Mixed Fighting Alliance event on Saturday. Lashley, who trained at American Top Team which has several locations in South Florida, needed just 41 seconds to win the match.
The card, titled There will be blood, lived up to its hype. Lashley opened a major laceration on Franklin’s forehead.
Lashley impressed the crowd with his vicious punches and kicks. His wrestling skills were evident after taking some single and double leg shots.
Lesnar, who has three MMA matches under his belt, is the current UFC heavyweight champion after defeating former champ Randy Couture last month.
Lashley said there isn’t much of a difference between the WWE and MMA locker rooms. ”I like the locker room in WWE,” he said. “You know, you have a bunch of professionals with a mindset of putting the best performance possible. This is the same thing.”
Lashley said there is no one in the MMA who could match his wrestling skills.
”I am confident of my wrestling background,” he said.
Lashley left the building with fans cheering for more, and they will get more.
Other results: Jeff Monson def. Ricco Rodriguez. David Bagget def. Ariel Gandula. Eduardo Guedes def. Manuel Del Rio. Gino Tutera def. Wayne Bermudes. Ian Wolf def. Alex Vila. Wiber Marrero def. Ronald Pena. Alex Caceres def. Tulio Quintanilla. Luis Fernando Fernandes def. Michael Luzbet. Nelson Lopez def. William Gonzalez.
They’re setting up Lashley vs. Lesnar. That’ll be a big money fight. Combine the MMA and WWE fanbase and that’s a good chunk o’ scrilla. 😀
