Brock Lesnar returns to the Octagon at UFC 116
Brock Lesnar Credit: Las Vegas Review Journal
Big news with the big guys came flying about the Internet on Tuesday. Several hours after Strikeforce announced Fedor Emelianenko's return bout on June 26, UFC answered back with the announcement of Brock Lesnar's long-awaited return to the Octagon.
Lesnar, the UFC heavyweight champion out since UFC 100 in July 2009, will defend his title against interim champion Shane Carwin at UFC 116 on July 3, 2010. The fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Carwin earned the title shot after knocking out Frank Mir at UFC 111. Of course, Carwin was supposed to fight Lesnar twice before -- UFC 106 in November and UFC 108 in January -- but Lesnar's health problems delayed both fights.
Lesnar had diverticulitis and underwent several procedures before doctors said he could begin training to fight again. During UFC 111 week, Lesnar appeared at several media events before the fights at the Prudential Center, and he looked about 40 pounds lighter than last July.
What type of shape he's in for July 3, we won't really know until, well, July 3. If the heavyweight division's top contenders have a chance to dethrone the 265-pound monster, this is probably the best time to do it.
PHOTOS: Brock Lesnar | Fedor Emelianenko
