Bobby Lashley Willing to do TUF

Mamba · Apr 3, 2009

Former collegiate wrestling champion and WWE import Bobby Lashley (2-0) hasn't shot up the ranks of MMA quite as quickly as fellow professional wrestler and current UFC interim champion Brock Lesnar.

But that's just fine for Lashley, who has said he's interested in developing at his own pace.

But on the most recent episode of ESPN.com's "MMA Live," Lashley said he definitely wants to make his way to the UFC – and he'd be willing to go through "The Ultimate Fighter" to do it.

"Everybody wants to be in the UFC," Lashley said. "It's the pinnacle of this sport, so of course I want to be there."

The UFC is holding open tryouts for "The Ultimate Fighter" in Seattle on Monday. Heavyweights are being sought out for the process, and Lashley told "MMA Live" co-host Kenny Florian he's mulling over the idea of making an appearance.

"I think [appearing on 'The Ultimate Fighter'] would be something great," Lashley said. "I saw that, and they said, 'Heavyweights,' and I was like, 'Yeah, let's jump on it.'

"I think it would be great because what I'm trying to do right now is prove myself. And on 'The Ultimate Fighter,' you have to prove yourself. I talked it over with my management and my trainers and everything, and they have mixed opinions on it – if I should go there, or if I should stay out and do different fights."

The American Top Team fighter has earned victories in his first two MMA contests, but he admits he's still got a long way to go to reach the level he someday hopes to attain.

"This is a building process," Lashley said. "When I get to the UFC, I want to be a serious contender for the title. I don't want to just be another guy going into the UFC because it's a grand stage and build there. I don't think that's what I need to do.

"I need to stay in the undercard, and stay in some of the smaller fights, and get more fights under my belt - get some fights like my last fight where it doesn't go the way that I wanted. I've got to seal the deal. There's a lot of learning in this game."

And could that learning possibly be helped by the world-class coaching cast members of "The Ultimate Fighter" undoubtedly receive?

"I'm open to anything," Lashley said. "I'm open to suggestions. If that's the route [my management] wants to send me, then I'm going to go."
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http://mmajunkie.com/news/14456/bobby-lashley-on-possible-tuf-tryout-i-think-it-would-be-great.mma

Mamba · Apr 3, 2009

I hope he does it. He's got talent to be good, he just needs to be developed right.

dpc · Apr 3, 2009

I think that's pretty cool of him, to know he isnt jack shit yet and is totally willing to go on a show like that and learn from the best. That really shows he wants to do this right and isn't goign to talk shit on the way up. He earned brownie points from me today. (Which means absolutely jack shit to him but whaever).

speeds · Apr 3, 2009

Double-edged sword. If he gets on and does well, the UFC can build him into a big star.

If he gets on and does poorly, the UFC has ruined the opportunity to market him.

I think he should do it and the UFC should let him.

However, it seems the UFC is auditioning middleweight to heavyweight fighters. I think they are going to pick the two strongest fields and leave the last one out. So not only does Lashley have to perform well, they need to get a good crop of heavyweights to justify having him/them on the show.

Heavyweights are hard to come by.

Chocolove · Apr 3, 2009

I think they should just sign Lashley straight up, no TUF. There are enough cans in the UFC HW division to throw at Lashley to build him up.

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Bobby Lashley Willing to do TUF

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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Bobby Lashley Willing to do TUF

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Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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dpc BBF refugee

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