In pro-wrestling vernacular, Brock Lesnar should approach his next mixed-martial-arts bout as a loser-leaves-town match.

Lesnar will fight Heath Herring in the co-main event of Saturday night's UFC 87: Seek and Destroy pay-per- view show emanating from Minneapolis. With a victory, Lesnar is guaranteed to remain in a high-profile UFC role. But a defeat clouds his future.

Lesnar's UFC debut in February was a huge success. UFC 81: Breaking Point drew a live gate of $2.4 million and a reported 600,000 pay- per-view orders. Many of those willing to pay $39.95 for the telecast were pro-wrestling fans curious about how Lesnar would fare in a real- life fight.

Lesnar already reigned supreme in World Wrestling Entertainment, emerging as one of its top performers in just three years on the main roster. But he grew tired of the travel and had a falling-out with WWE management, leading to his 2004 departure. He wrestled in Japan before beginning full-time MMA training in April 2006.

Lesnar would make huge strides toward solidifying himself as a legitimate MMA up-and-comer by besting Herring, an 11-year veteran with a 28-13 career record. The 6- foot-3, 265-pound Lesnar has worked diligently on trying to better his boxing and jiu-jitsu defense since dedicating himself full time to MMA training in April 2006.

"Like I said from Day One, I didn't want any easy fights," Lesnar said. "Heath is not an easy fight for me."

George St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch headlines UFC 87. For more information, visit ufc.tv.

* Dustin Uhrich vs. Billy V headlines a Fusion Pro Wrestling show at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Mile High Event Center, 5155 E. 64th Ave., Commerce City. 303-564-8307, fusionprowrestling.com

Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro-wrestling column for Scripps Howard News Service.