In one of the most unexpected callouts in recent combat sports memory, boxing legend Eric “Butterbean” Esch has publicly challenged Brock Lesnar—the former WWE Universal Champion and UFC heavyweight champion—to a fight. Butterbean is popularly known for his first-round knockout at “Brawl for All” tournament at WrestleMania XV in 1999. The 57-year-old is known for his powerful punches and knockouts. Whereas, Lesnar dominated both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, by winning the WWE Championships and UFC heavyweight title respectively. Butterbean not only challenged Lesnar but also predicted to deliver a KO over him.
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Butterbean’s Statement and Context
Butterbean would love nothing more than to get his hands on “The Beast Incarnate” in a monster collision between two massive names. Taking to undisputed Justin Barrasso, He didn’t pull any punches when explaining his desire to face the former WWE Universal Champion.
“I’d love to fight Brock Lesnar. I’d knock him out. I’m not kidding. He’s tough, but he can’t take my punches. One clean shot, and it’s over.”
This is brave as well as bold callout.
Due to health issues, Butterbean weighed over 400 pounds, eventually never able to come back in the ring. After many years he slimmed down and appeared slim in his shadow boxing and training sessions. He was last seen fighting in 2013 but still fans remembers him for his iconic knockout punches. Earlier also, he teased a return but focusing on Lesnar is something new. It has made waves given “The Beast Incarnate’s” iconic status across both combat and entertainment industries.
Brock Lesnar’s Current Status and Background
It’s been almost a decade he hasn’t fought in the UFC and in a semi-retirement plan from WWE, as last appeared in 2022 WrestleMania. Throughout his career in UFC and WWE he claimed many titles and defended them too. He almost retired from both the sports but his past successes include NCAA Division I wrestling champion, UFC heavyweight champion, and multiple-time WWE champion.
Lesnar’s fighting style is a stark contrast to Butterbean’s boxing. His strength lies in wrestling, and explosive athleticism, while Butterbean with no MMA background is a pure boxing power relied on his devastating hooks and overhangs. Their fighting style favours their size as Lesnar 6’3” helps him to dominate ground control and Butterbean known for his low center gravity and compact structure.
The Unlikely Matchup and Potential Draw
As per the record of their last fight, both were inactive in their sport and have different eras, different skill sets, and different platforms. These facts and information are enough to conclude, this match seems unlikely to happen. If it happens, the question arises in which format ? As it would boxing, MMA, or something else. Butterbean would definitely dominate the boxing format with his KO punches whereas, In MMA setting, Lesnar has the edge over the aging boxer. The buzz on the social media and their legacy brings credibility to this match as a cross-over fight between a boxing veteran and a wrestling/MMA star.
Butterbean’s History and Reputation
Eric “Butterbean” Esch started his career in 1990s and led it to over 18+ years. He started in Toughman contests, winning five World Toughman Heavyweight championships. He dominated short form of boxing especially boxing matches that were scheduled for four rounds and earned the nickname “King of the Four Rounders,” for his fierce powerful punches.
In all of his professional boxing record, major wins were through knockout and a memorable one was his first-round knockout at “Brawl for All” tournament. Being at a age of close to 60 and still working on his physique and posting videos of training hard on social media shows his passion for the sport.
Brock Lesnar’s History and Reputation
Brock Lesnar was signed to the MMA scene in 2008. Within a year of his debut, he defeated Randy Couture via TKO to win the UFC heavyweight title. He successfully defended his title against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin showing his dominant wrestling. The Conqueror is a former NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion (in the year 2000) and signed with WWE in 2002. He dominated the roster and main events like WrestleMania with his suplex city and F5 finishers and clinched multiple titles. His crossover success helped bridge the gap between professional wrestling fans and MMA audiences.
Fan Reaction and Media Buzz
Both have different sports professions but this potential match hyped the audience. On social media, reactions range from “this is insane, but I’d watch it” to “is this real or just a publicity stunt?” Journalists claimed it as a fantasy and will work to get likes and buzz. However, Lesnar didn’t respond to it yet but any response from his side will increase the chances of the bout.
Conclusion
Eric “Butterbean” Esch teasing Lesnar for a bout and predicting KO in their match shows his enthusiasm for the sport. The fight seems unlikely to take place as Butterben is already in his 60s and both are inactive from the wrestling profession. However, we can see a charitable or friendly bout between them in boxing or MMA or something else.
Vijay Suyal 
Reddaveni Saisneha