The UFC officially announced today that Brock Lesnar will return from a lengthy absence to defend his UFC heavyweight championship against Shane Carwin at UFC 116 on July 3.
“When people wonder why the heavyweights capture the imagination of all fight fans, it’s because of guys like Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin,” said UFC President Dana White. “Not only are they great athletes and former national wrestling champions, but they both have the ability to end a fight with one punch. This is one of those fights that you won’t be able to turn away from because it can be over in a split second, and when it’s over, only one will walk away as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion of the world.”
Lesnar and Carwin were scheduled to face off last fall. But the UFC heavyweight champ was sidelined by diverticulosis, a rare intestinal disorder that caused the mammoth Lesnar to lose over 50 pounds. But that’s in the past, says Lesnar, and he’s ready to go once again.
“I can’t wait to get back in the Octagon and defend my UFC heavyweight title,” Lesnar said. “July 3rd can’t come soon enough. I’m ready to fight. At UFC 116, Shane Carwin is going to face the REAL UFC heavyweight champion. I’m going to end Shane’s perfect record and walk out of the Octagon with my championship belt around my waist.”
Tickets go on sale next week and are priced from $100 to $1000.