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‘The Illness Had Taken Over’: Brock Lesnar Once Detailed His Only Meeting With Legend Muhammad Ali Who Was Then Diagnosed for Parkinson’s Disease

Published 11/03/2022, 6:15 PM EDT

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar rarely appeared in media interviews throughout his career. During his time with the WWE, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ had Paul Heyman as his manager to do all of his talking. However, this changed after Lesnar set his sights on competing in the UFC.

Moreover, during an interview back in 2016, before his bout against Mark Hunt at UFC 200, Lesnar detailed the time he met boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, for the first and only time. He stated that Ali was suffering from Parkinson’s during the time and although the pair didn’t talk, a handshake was enough for the former UFC champ to be startled by Ali’s presence.

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You know I got to meet Ali one time and all I remember when I met him and shook the man’s hand was he never talked. I mean, at that point, you know the Parkinsons or whatever the illness had taken over. But I just remembered when he extended his hand, he didn’t have to say anything to me. It was a weird, not a weird vibe. It was such a gracious handshake it was very I can’t even put a word to it. I felt something powerful from the man.” said Lesnar.

Despite Ali being in a frail and weak state, he managed to still give away a powerful feeling to one of the most fearsome men on the planet. This goes to show the aura and spirit of the greatest boxer to ever live.

Muhammad Ali once revealed the scariest experience of his life

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Ali revealed the scariest experience of his life. He stated that this moment came after he stepped foot into the ring for the first time in his life. The heavyweight great was just 12 years old at the time and was naturally fearful of entering the ring. “I was nervous and scared. I was shaking,” he said. However, he was then asked if he went to the gym the next day, to which Ali replied. “Yes—every night for a month. I loved it.” he added.

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Although ‘The People’s champ was scared to compete in the ring, this decision would prove to be the best of his life. Ali would go on to reach heights on and off the ring, unmatched by anyone in the past or future.

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Written by:

Sahil Sood

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Sahil Sood is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, and holds a keen interest in the 'sweet science'. His journey towards following boxing began when he first saw the highlights of Mike Tyson as a teenager, and then closely followed the rise of Floyd Mayweather.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana