Shane Carwin signs with Rizin FF, enters open-weight tournament

Shane Carwin has signed with Rizin FF and is now a part of its open-weight Grand Prix tournament.

Shane Carwin has a new home.

The former interim UFC heavyweight champion has signed with Rizin FF, promotion officials announced at a press conference on Thursday morning.

Carwin will also take part in the Japan-based organization’s open-weight Grand Prix tournament, which kicked off with the opening round last month at Rizin FF 2. He has received a wild card and is the eighth man in the tournament. His opponent in the second round has yet to be determined.

Carwin committed to a return to mixed martial arts in September after months of hints prior to his official announcement. He confirmed last month that he had parted ways with the UFC after back-and-forth negotiations with its matchmaker, Joe Silva.

Carwin (12-2) won the interim heavyweight belt with a first-round knockout of Frank Mir in 2010. He later unified the two belts in a title fight with Brock Lesnar, but suffered a submission loss. Carwin hasn’t fought since a loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC 131 in 2011.

Rizin FF 3 takes place live from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on Dec. 29 and will feature the second round of the Grand Prix tournament. Rizin FF will be hosting an event on New Year’s Eve, as well, Rizin FF 4, which will feature the semi-finals and finals of the tournament.

Shane Carwin has signed with Rizin FF and is now a part of its open-weight Grand Prix tournament.

Shane Carwin has a new home.

The former interim UFC heavyweight champion has signed with Rizin FF, promotion officials announced at a press conference on Thursday morning.

Carwin will also take part in the Japan-based organization’s open-weight Grand Prix tournament, which kicked off with the opening round last month at Rizin FF 2. He has received a wild card and is the eighth man in the tournament. His opponent in the second round has yet to be determined.

Carwin committed to a return to mixed martial arts in September after months of hints prior to his official announcement. He confirmed last month that he had parted ways with the UFC after back-and-forth negotiations with its matchmaker, Joe Silva.

Carwin (12-2) won the interim heavyweight belt with a first-round knockout of Frank Mir in 2010. He later unified the two belts in a title fight with Brock Lesnar, but suffered a submission loss. Carwin hasn’t fought since a loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC 131 in 2011.

Rizin FF 3 takes place live from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on Dec. 29 and will feature the second round of the Grand Prix tournament. Rizin FF will be hosting an event on New Year’s Eve, as well, Rizin FF 4, which will feature the semi-finals and finals of the tournament.