Biggest UFC debut of all time?
This may depend on when you started watching MMA, but you can certainly justify several fights, including the destruction of Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 by former champion Brock Lesnar who at the time was one of the biggest stars in all combat sports.
But was it better than Michael Chandler’s debut win over Dan Hooker at UFC 257?
“Definitely better than Michael Chandler,” Overeem told MMA Fighting about his debut victory over Lesnar. “All respect for Michael and his performance, but I don’t think you can compare these two fights. Alistair vs. Brock Lesnar in 2011, or Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker. I don’t think you can make a comparison between the two. “
Lesnar had not competed in over a year and came from a high-profile defeat to Cain Velasquez in October 2010. He would retire immediately after the Overeem fight, citing health problems, and return to the world of professional wrestling.
“I remember everything very clearly,” continued Overeem. “There were a lot of things going on. It was crazy. I left the [Fabricio] Werdum won and before that the K-1 Grand Prix wins and the title DREAM. It was a very busy time. Fans everywhere. I couldn’t walk around Vegas, I was just chased by fans. It was a crazy time. In fact, I am happy that it is not so hectic anymore. It is a little more calm and relaxing. “
Unfortunately for Overeem, who fights Alexander Volkov this weekend at UFC Vegas 18 on ESPN +, he failed to turn his Lesnar victory into bigger and better opportunities. “Demolition Man” lost three of the following four, including two consecutive knockout losses to Antonio Silva and Travis Browne.
A destination that Chandler will be trying to avoid in his second effort.