Brock Lesnar did not look like he was coming off a five-year layoff.
For the first time since December 30, 2011 Lesnar stretched the largest gloves available across the ham hocks he calls hands.
And what a comeback it was.
An underdog at UFC 200, many expected Lesnar to become the latest addition to knockout artist Mark Hunt’s walk-off highlight reel.
But after a tentative opening in the co-main event, Lesnar ultimately steamrolled ‘The Super Samoan’ and hammered away for a dominant opening round.
WHAT A SLAM by @BrockLesnar! #UFC200 https://t.co/E0Yhej0yli
— #UFC200 (@ufc) July 10, 2016
The second went to Hunt who just about landed enough to get the nod but the WWE superstar turned it on again in the third to bludgeon his opponent from mount to earn a unanimous 29-27 decision.
And here’s how the fight community saw the bout.
I was just crazy enough to pick #Lesnar to win. #UFC200
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 10, 2016
Wow! #UFC200
— Court McGee (@Court_McGee) July 10, 2016
Wow! #UFC200
— Court McGee (@Court_McGee) July 10, 2016
Shiiiit, @BrockLesnar might even get on top of his wife tonight !! #UFC200
— Dennis Bermudez (@MenaceBermudez) July 10, 2016
He's pinned! COUNT REF!
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) July 10, 2016
Once Brock has his hands clasped on that double leg there is no stopping it. #ufc200
— James Moontasri (@jmoontasri) July 10, 2016
After years without fighting, what a great win for @BrockLesnar!
— Vinny Magalhães (@VinnyMMA) July 10, 2016
I guess that was the #MeatBlanket game plan…
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 10, 2016
29-27 ??
— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) July 10, 2016
I guess tonight Jesus prefers G'n'P
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 10, 2016
Congratulations on your victory Brock.
CAN I SEE YOU NOW?
— Junior Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) July 10, 2016
Not really what I was expecting… @BrockLesnar @markhunt1974 #UFC200
— Tarec Saffiedine (@tarecfighter) July 10, 2016
Brock shows good resolve & patience. Wins 29-28 solidly. Needs a lot of work on basic submissions though. Top & double wristlocks everywhere
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) July 10, 2016
I would like to see a fight between @FabricioWerdum and Lesnar. I believe Fabricio can submit him!
— Rafael Cordeiro (@kings_mma) July 10, 2016
I can't believe Brock Lesnar is going win this. What a monster
— Phil Davis (@PhilMrWonderful) July 10, 2016
Brock Lesnar is back! Wonder who he fights next!? #UFC200
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) July 10, 2016
Hands down, @BrockLesnar is the real deal. Never seen him this good. #surprised #UFC200
— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) July 10, 2016