Las Vegas Weekly

March 6, 2009 · 8:55 AM

It’s on! Tickets for ‘Lesnar vs. Mir 2: UFC 98’ go on sale tomorrow

By Robin Leach

Frank Mir does some ground work on Brock Lesnar.

Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

It’s the most prestigious title in mixed martial arts, and, oddly, the UFC heavyweight championship currently rests in the hands of two men, champion Brock Lesnar and interim belt holder Frank Mir. But come May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, they will meet not only to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion title, but also to settle some personal business that began here more than a year ago.

Tickets, some as high as $800 at ringside, for “Lesnar vs. Mir 2: UFC 98” go on sale tomorrow. They are formidable men: Brock is 6-foot 3 and weighs 265 pounds and shocked UFC fans last November with a TKO against Randy Couture. Local hero Frank also is 6’3” and weighs 240 pounds. He was sidelined for nearly two years after a serious motorcycle accident in 2004.

“Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir put on one of the most intense one-round fights I’ve ever seen at UFC 81,” said UFC President Dana White, referring to Frank’s submission victory over Brock in February 2008. “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.

“On May 23, each fighter has the chance to prove his point, and while a lot has happened for these two since that first fight, I know the rematch is going to be just as intense as the first one, especially considering that the winner walks away as the UFC heavyweight champion.”

Brock said, “I’m delighted to have a rematch against Frank Mir. I can’t wait to get my revenge and finish this fight on the ground the way it should have been finished last time.”

Frank commented, “Brock Lesnar has been calling for a rematch with me ever since I beat him the first time. 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. He won’t be able to push me around like he’s done smaller opponents, and I’m looking forward to becoming undisputed champion again.”

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