In a revealing conversation, Frank Mir sheds light on an interesting behind-the-scenes moment leading up to his iconic fight with Brock Lesnar. The heavyweight clash, which marked Lesnar’s UFC debut, was one of the most talked-about matchups in MMA history. But it wasn’t just the pressure of facing a former pro wrestler turned MMA fighter that had Mir on edge—it was also the UFC’s decision about the walk-out order.

The UFC’s Decision:

Mir recalls a key moment before the fight when the UFC informed him that, despite being the more experienced and accomplished fighter, he would have to walk into the Octagon first. Traditionally, the more accomplished fighter—especially a former champion like Mir—would walk out second, a small but significant courtesy to acknowledge their status. However, for the Lesnar fight, the UFC decided to make Mir walk first, giving the spotlight to the rising star, Brock Lesnar.

This decision didn’t sit well with Frank Mir’s wife, who was incredibly protective of him. Mir describes how she became visibly upset when she learned that he would have to walk first, a move that, in her eyes, undermined her husband’s accomplishments and experience in the sport. Mir, on the other hand, tried to calm her down, insisting that it wasn’t a big deal, but his wife’s anger was palpable.

A Fighter’s Pride:

Mir admitted that while he understood the UFC’s perspective—Lesnar was a huge draw with a large fan base—he couldn’t help but feel disrespected by the decision. Being forced to walk out first in such a high-profile fight made him feel like he was being cast in the role of the underdog, a position that he didn’t necessarily agree with given his achievements in MMA.

Despite the frustration, Mir remained focused on the task at hand. He knew that his job was to fight, not to get caught up in the pre-fight drama. But the situation highlighted just how much pressure was building behind the scenes, and how his wife’s fierce support only added to the intensity of the moment.

The Pre-Fight Tension:

Mir’s wife wasn’t the only one who felt the pressure. Frank himself was walking into a situation where he had to prove not just his skill, but also that he could overcome the hype surrounding Brock Lesnar. The UFC’s decision to have Lesnar walk second was a subtle yet powerful reminder that Lesnar was the company’s golden boy at the time.

Even with all the tension, Mir stayed calm and centered. As he waited in the cage for Lesnar’s entrance, Mir couldn’t help but notice how his wife’s scowl reflected the frustration they both felt. It was a reminder that in the fight game, everything is personal—every decision, every moment, and every step toward the cage carries weight.

A Moment of Redemption:

Despite the pre-fight tension, Mir went on to win the fight in spectacular fashion, submitting Brock Lesnar with a knee bar. His victory not only silenced critics but also served as a statement to the UFC and fans alike that Frank Mir was a force to be reckoned with, regardless of how the walk-out order was handled.

In the end, Mir’s wife had every reason to be angry, but it was Frank’s ability to stay focused and deliver a performance for the ages that truly mattered. The walk-out was just a small part of the larger narrative—one that would forever define both men’s careers.