Just a few days ago former #1 UFC heavyweight contender Shane Carwin posted a notice on his blog, Shane-Carwin.com, that he was backing out of his Jan. 1st UFC 125 bout against Roy “Big Country” Nelson due to his back.
The heavyweight was unsure of whether he’d be out 8-12 weeks trying to recover or if he’d have to go under the knife.
Carwin’s manager Jason Genet, spoke to MMAFighting.com telling them that his fighter was to undergo surgery on Nov. 2nd for his back which has been bothering him for years.
“We’re trying to avoid spending 12 weeks with rehabilitation, traction, pain pills and epidurals, only to end up getting surgery anyway. When Shane was an NFL prospect, he had a back injury where people said not only would he not be able to play in the NFL, he wouldn’t be able to play pro sports. He’s already made it to fight for the heavyweight title. He limped to the mountaintop without all the tools. What happens when he ascends to the mountaintop with everything he’s got?”
Carwin’s last bout was at UFC 116 when he lost to former UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar for the title. No word on if a new opponent for Roy Nelson has been found but PRIDE champ Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic has expressed an interest in replacing Carwin at the New Years Day event.