Following the announcement surrounding Brock Lesnar‘s sudden departure from the main event at UFC 131, it has been confirmed that Shane Carwin will step in for the former UFC heavyweight champion.
This is the second time in one week the UFC has had to find a replacement for their main event slot. Earlier this week it was learned that both Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard had to pull out of their title bout at UFC 130 after sustaining injuries.
The news first broke during a conference call with UFC president, Dana White.
“He was all bummed out about pulling out of the fight,” White said during the media call, courtesy of MMAFighting.com.
“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about the fight.’ I’m glad it’s not life-threatening,” he said regarding Lesnar’s health.
White then revealed Lesnar’s replacement, Shane Carwin.
Carwin has accepted the bout on short notice and is aware of the opportunity that he has been given.
“This is an opportunity to put myself in contention for the title. I know my coaches will have me ready so I have everything to gain,” Carwin said on his blog.
One has to wonder how Carwin will be able to prepare for an opponent like Dos Santos, especially on a thirty day notice, and against a striker who is as equally as dangerous on the feet.
Also, it is worth noting that Carwin has not been in the Octagon since last summer. Coincidentally, Lesnar was the last opponent Carwin competed against, and could likely be heading into his bout versus Dos Santos with some ring rust.
The winner will be next in line to square off against UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez.
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