Velasquez 's ascension ended the reign of Lesnar less than three years after picking up the sport and abandoning his attempt to play in the NFL .
Lesnar won the belt in just his fourth MMA fight in November 2008 .
Velasquez 's ascension ended the reign of Lesnar , who won the belt in just his fourth MMA fight in November 2008 , less than three years after picking up the sport and abandoning his attempt to play in the NFL .