The debate about the scariest UFC heavyweight has sparked some heated discussion online. And this time, we have former fighter Chael Sonnen going one-on-one against UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, as ‘The American Gangster’ partly disagreed with Rogan’s choice of Francis Ngannou. According to the veteran of the sport, while Ngannou is one scary guy, he believes that fear in the Octagon extends beyond knockout power, pointing to Brock Lesnar’s mystique, presence, and intimidation as the true benchmark.
Chael Sonnen picks Brock Lesnar as the ‘true’ scariest fighter
‘The American Gangster’ presented his point on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that being “scary” involves more than just landing some deadly strikes. Brock Lesnar, in his opinion, embodies the perfect balance of fear, skill, and aura. He said, “You want to know who was scary? Who brought in an actual… there was a mystique. There was an actual mystique about him. Brock Lesnar.”
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But what exactly made him think so? Well, it was one particular moment from the past that made ‘The Beast’ a household sensation. Chael Sonnen recalls watching Lesnar in college wrestling, when the future UFC star pinned an opponent and flexed for the camera, which fascinated the wrestling world.
“This giant specimen named Brock Lesnar takes a guy down, pins him, and then turns. He takes his headgear off, holding the headgear in one hand and nothing in the other. And he turns, and he flexes for the camera.” Chael Sonnen further added, “All that was discussed is when he did this flex and there were muscles popping everywhere. And I’m telling you, he became a national sensation.”
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Lesnar’s move to MMA only enhanced his aura. He debuted in the UFC in 2008 and won the heavyweight title in only his third fight against Randy Couture. Dominant wrestling, sheer athleticism, and a towering physical presence surely made him a formidable force in the Octagon. And despite health issues, including diverticulitis and a brief 2016 comeback, ‘The Beast’ left a lasting impression.
So that is why Chael Sonnen believes that Brock Lesnar‘s mix of size, technique, and charisma distinguishes him as the most terrifying heavyweight in UFC history, or at least puts him at par with knockout artists like Francis Ngannou. Since even Sonnen had to admit further in the video that even he can’t deny that Ngannou can be termed as the scariest fighter to ever step into the Octagon. And while he still wants Lesnar to be named alongside ‘The Predator,’ why did Joe Rogan pick the former UFC heavyweight champion?
Why Joe Rogan snubbed Brock Lesnar for Ngannou?
While Chael Sonnen praises Lesnar’s mystique, Joe Rogan views Francis Ngannou’s raw power as the ultimate cause of fear. On his podcast, Rogan referred to Ngannou as “a massive human” whose attacks could send opponents into orbit, regretting that the UFC and Ngannou were unable to reach an agreement before the fighter left for the PFL and pursued boxing.
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Ngannou established a reputation for spectacular knockouts of elite fighters such as Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Stipe Miocic. So, naturally, his fear factor stemmed from his ability to stop bouts fast, leaving opponents and fans in awe. The JRE host also emphasizes that witnessing Ngannou fight was an intense experience.
“It would hurt you, like, watching it,” he said, emphasizing the psychological toll of facing such a powerful opponent. But despite it all, Chael Sonnen believes the mystique factor still remains. And that very missing quality is easily found in the beast that we now know as Brock Lesnar. But what do you think? Who do you agree with? Let us know in the comments.