There's Something About Brock: What Awaits Lesnar at UFC 116?

UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will meet his biggest and toughest challenge to date when he makes his return at UFC 116 on July 3rd.  He will square off against heavy-handed Shane Carwin, who is undefeated inside the octagon.

Upon Lesnar’s return to the octagon, some questions surrounding the former WWE superstar will be answered.

Long Layoff
The match between Lesnar and Carwin was originally scheduled to take place on November 21 at UFC 106 but because of Lesnar’s health, the fight was cancelled. It appeared the bout would be featured over the Super Bowl weekend at UFC 108 but Lesnar’s heath wasn’t getting any better and once again the bout was scrapped. Once he recovered, it was announced that Lesnar would make his return at UFC 116 to defend and unify the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Shane Carwin.

Pictures have been surfacing over the Internet featuring the 265 lb Lesnar training for the bout and he looks to be getting better. However it was evident at UFC 114 that a long layoff can surely have an affect on a fighter. Rampage Jackson returned after 14-month layoff from filming “The A-Team” to face rival Rashad Evans and he looked to be slower than usual. His punches were not accurate, he was fatigued, overemotional coming into the fight.

The layoff could affect the outcome of the bout between Lesnar and Carwin.


Health
Lesnar’s health was what extended this anticipated bout from January 2nd to July 3rd. He came down with an illness during training camp, which was at first thought to be mononucleosis but it turned out to be much worse.

It was confirmed by UFC President Dana White that Lesnar had been suffering from diverticulitis, an intestinal disorder and it required surgery. The intestinal infection was so bad it created a hole in his stomach.

One has to wonder what impact the illness will have on Lesnar’s physical state come fight night. Will some of the muscle mass from his physique be gone? Is he going to be as strong and agile prior to contracting the illness?



The Size and Strength of Shane Carwin
This will be the first time in Lesnar’s career that he will face an opponent that is just as strong and as big as him. Shane Carwin will tip the scales at 265lb and likely walk into the fight with 10 to 15 lbs added on to his frame.

Unlike other heavyweights like Frank Mir and Heath Herring, Carwin will not be bullied around. Lesnar might hold a bit more power but it will definitely be a competitive fight for him and a fight that some MMA pundits and UFC fighters only give Lesnar a slight advantage to.

Another credential Carwin will have over Lesnar's past opponents is his power. There is no question this man can hit and end a fight instantaneously; he is 12-0 in his MMA career and none of his fights have gone past the first round.




Chin
Once these two behemoths face off on July 3rd, there is no doubt that some shots will be traded. In fact, given the power from both fighters, it might only take a couple of shots for one of them to have their hand raised in victory.

This fight will be interesting because Lesnar’s chin has never really been tested against someone who matches up in size and strength.

Surely he’s taken shots from Frank Mir and Randy Couture but they’re not as nearly as big as Carwin is, so it might be wise for Lesnar to work on controlling and wrestling with Carwin to wear him down and risk being knocked out.

On Saturday, July 3rd, the speculation and questions will be answered and there will be only one man leaving with the UFC Heavyweight belt around his waist. Whether it is Brock Lesnar or Shane Carwin, rest assure no one will be sitting to watch this heavyweight clash.