Undefeated UFC heavyweight number one contender Shane Carwin will likely square off against division champion Brock Lesnar in a super-sized slugfest planned for the UFC 116 extraganganza at the MGM Grang Garden Arena on July 3 in Las Vegas.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the plans at last night's UFC 111 post fight press conference.
It seems nothing was going to stop Carwin from challenging Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title. Not diverticulitis, not Frank Mir, not even a 2009 bout with Cain Velasquez that never materialized.
"The Engineer" put on a frightening display of power at the Prudential Center on March 27, crushing former champion Frank Mir to solidify his place in line as potential heir to the throne. Lesnar was kind enough to meet him in the cage after his victory and take potshots at his newly earned Interim title, but Carwin wouldn't get dragged into a war of words.
He's likely saving his talking for the fight -- and if the Mir bout was any indication, he'll have a lot to say.
Lesnar meanwhile has been recuperating from the stomach ailment that booted him from their initial encounter last November. The pasty-faced goliath has a new diet, a new training camp and a new attitutde.
One thing that hasn't changed is his size and strength.
How much the medical layoff affects the former NCAA champion remains to be seen. A lengthy absence didn't seem to bother Carwin all that much and Lesnar is not a techincal fighter, rather a hulking mass of power and fury. Cage rust may have little impact upon his return.
Time will tell. In the meantime, let the hype begin.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates to the upcoming UFC 116 fight card as they develop.
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