I just wanted to expand upon an earlier post I made today. Many have rightfully pointed out some of the differences between Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley that I glossed over. These criticisms are completely valid thus I need to flush out my perspective a little but more.

I was not trying to make the point that Lashley + 1 year = Lesnar as if it were some kind of mathematical proof. That point of view is an inaccurate representation. Rather I was trying to point out the similarities between the two men and their career arcs when compared to the rest of the UFC's heavyweight division. For instance, Lesnar might be bigger and stronger than Lashley, as Lesnar needs to cut weight to make 265lbs. But Lashley is still a physical monster when compared to the rest of the UFC's heavyweight division. Thus we cannot simply say that Lashley is not enough of a physical specimen to be give a shot in the UFC. Especially since Lashley is a physical freak when compared to the rest of the division (excluding Brock Lesnar).

Also I believe that with Lashley's wrestling background, while not as prestigious as Lesnar's, is still strong enough to translate into the ability to compete at a high level within the division. Here are the top-ten UFC heavyweights according to USA Today / SBN Consensus Rankings (with two more fighters thrown in for good measure).

1. Frank Mir
   
2. Antonio Rodrgio Nogueira
   
3. Brock Lesnar
   
4. Randy Couture
   
5. Shane Carwin
   
6. Cain Velasquez
   
7. Chieck Kongo
   
8. Junior dos Santos
   
9. Gabriel Gonzaga
   
10. Chris Tuchscherer
    
11. Roy Nelson (signed for TUF 10)
    
12. Heath Herring (unranked)

Let's ignore Nelson for the moment since he has to go through the the TUF-10 Kimbo-grinder.

The highest ranked fighter on the list that Lashley could beat is Cheick Kongo. After the wrestling clinic Velasquez displayed against Kongo it isn't too far-fetched to claim that Lashley could easily handle the French kick boxer. Perhaps Lashley's athleticism combined with his wrestling skills would allow him to beat Velasquez at his own game. Or even Shane Carwin or Junior dos Santos. Lashley certainly should be able to beat Heath Herring. With the wide gulf of weight and athletic capability between heavyweight fighters it stands to reason that a high energy, big, athletic fighter with a solid wrestling background could translate very quickly. Especially considering that we still don't yet know the quality of the big-three prospects.

The point is that Bobby Lashley should be able to compete at a high level immediately, just like Brock Lesnar did.Lashley's current skill set and superior athleticism to everyone in the heavyweight division, with the exception of Brock Lesnar, and with the state of the UFC heavyweight division that should be reason enough to sign Lashley.