Polarizing Lesnar can fill seats

When Brock Lesnar joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he was a former professional wrestler trying to make it in a legitimate combat sport.

He's had enough success to now be viewed as a mixed martial artist who just happens to be a former pro wrestler.

But Lesnar, who will defend his UFC heavyweight title against interim champion Shane Carwin on Saturday in the main event of UFC 116 at the MGM Grand, is still able to employ some lessons he learned in his days working for Vince McMahon.

"I've been around the block a few times and am used to the spotlight. The main thing I bring from (World Wrestling Entertainment) is promoting a fight. We were always pushing big pay-per-views in the WWE and this is the same thing," Lesnar said on a conference call. "The WWE gave me visibility. I've done a gazillion interviews. This is somewhere in the 30s of pay-per-views I've participated in. I've headlined or main-evented probably 25."

Lesnar said fight promotion could be a distraction if not for his experience.

"This isn't my first rodeo. I have no nerves, no jitters coming into this fight. Without the WWE, I wouldn't be as prepared as I am now," he said.

Lesnar also discussed his status as one of MMA's most polarizing figures. He has a rabid fan base, but appears to get a kick out of tweaking those who are just as passionate in the opposite direction.

It's all part of his plan to market himself and the UFC.

The last thing you want to hear is crickets," he said. "If they are cheering for you or booing me, at least they are paying attention."

Lesnar and other fighters from the card will participate in public workouts from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Marquee Ballroom at the MGM Grand Conference Center. The event is free.

The press conference, at the Hollywood Theatre at 1 p.m. Thursday, is also free and open to the public.

■ EMELIANENKO POST-MORTEM -- Fedor Emelianenko's stunning defeat sent shockwaves through MMA, but, typically for him, the Russian heavyweight is not getting too worked up about it.

"The one who doesn't fall never stands up. It happened that people made me an idol. But everybody loses," Emelianenko said after being submitted by Fabricio Werdum in the first round of a Strikeforce card in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday. "I'm just a human being. And if it's God's will, next fight I'll win."

The loss was the first true setback in a storied career. Emelianenko's only other loss came in 2000, 17 seconds into a bout in Japan, when he was cut by a strike that appeared illegal. He had won his other 32 fights, including 28 in a row.

Emelianenko expressed sadness over letting down his supporters.

"I'm really very sorry and it's a pity I disappointed people who believe in me and trusted in me, but everything in this life happens for some reason," he said.

■ LITTLE REST FOR LEBEN -- With Wanderlei Silva forced off the UFC 116 card because of multiple injuries, the organization has turned to Chris Leben to replace Silva against Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Leben was just in action June 19 when he stopped Aaron Simpson in the second round on a card at the Palms.

■ TUFF-N-UFF -- The locally based amateur organization will host a card at the Orleans on Friday night. The card features the quarterfinals of both the 125- and 135-pound women's tournaments.

■ FIGHTER DIES IN PRO DEBUT -- Michael "Tree" Kirkham, a 6-foot-9-inch fighter, collapsed and died after making his professional debut Saturday on a card in Aiken, S.C.

Kirkham, 30, died from bleeding inside the brain, the Aiken County coroner said Monday. He had six amateur fights.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.