Cole Konrad, a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and training partner of Brock Lesnar, will try his hand at MMA at MAX Fights 8 on Jan. 23 in Fargo, N.D.Konrad is comparable to Lesnar in size. The 25-year-old wrestled at 285 pounds when he competed collegiately for the Minnesota Golden Gophers wrestling team. He can make the cut to heavyweight as well, moving down to 264.5 pounds for the World University Championships in 2006.
Konrad has been training MMA the past two years alongside the UFC heavyweight champion at Greg Nelson's Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in Minneapolis and at Lesnar's own gym in Alexandria.
Konrad finished his NCAA wrestling career in 2007 with a 154-13 record and on a 76-match winning streak.
Like Lesnar, Konrad has also had pro football aspirations, taking part in a three-day New York Jets rookie minicamp in 2007.
Konrad will face Gary "Chief" Hamen, who will also be making his pro debut. According to his management, Hamen is a Muay Thai kickboxer and is 5-0 in amateur fights. He knocked out his last opponent in 17 seconds on Jan. 8.
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