Shane Carwin
Interview by Robert Sargent
As he prepares for the biggest fight of his career against Cain Velasquez at UFC 104, undefeated heavyweight sensation Shane Carwin speaks exclusively with MMARising.com on his preparations for the fight and his goal to become champion.
Undefeated at 11-0, former Ring of Fire Heavyweight Champion Carwin will battle Velasquez to determine the #1 contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Determined to never overlook an opponent, the former two-time All-American football star remains solely focused on Velasquez, but would welcome fights with both UFC champion Brock Lesnar and WAMMA Unified Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko.
MMARising.com: Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Shane. To begin, could you tell us a bit about what first sparked your interest in mixed martial arts?
Shane Carwin: As a wrestler, I saw MMA as the next natural progression, so I watched with admiration and eventually I started helping Ron Waterman with training. One thing led to another and here I am.
MMARising.com: You have an extensive background in wrestling, including becoming NCAA National Wrestling Heavyweight Champion in 1999. How crucial are your wrestling skills when you are competing in a mixed martial arts bout?
Shane: I think that wrestling is the best base for an MMA fighter. I have committed myself to learning and integrating kickboxing, boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Without my wrestling base, I would not be able to give these other disciplines the attention that they deserve.
MMARising.com: Some fans may not be aware that, in addition to your achievements in wrestling, you hold Bachelor's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Environmental Technology, and were also a two-time All-American in football. Looking back, did you ever see yourself battling opponents inside a cage for a living?
Shane: Nope. I actually took a year off from wrestling to focus on the NFL and prepared for the NFL Draft. I was a Division II standout and I had expected to be playing professionally. When that dream ended, I went back to the wrestling room and worked to win that National title.
MMARising.com: Like many other fighters, you retained your career (in engineering) while also competing in mixed martial arts. Do you still work as an engineer when not training for a fight, or has your time in the UFC allowed you to transition into a full-time fighter?
Shane: The UFC and my amazing management team (Magnetic Marketing Associates) have made it so that I no longer have to work full-time. I do so by choice and because, before I am a fighter or rising star, I am a father to my son. I want him to realize that athletics are great, but the only sure thing in life is the thing you create and do for yourself. My job is not a typical 9-5 job, but I work full-time and train full-time. I might even train more than those without a job because I am always making sure that I get the most out of every day and every training session.
MMARising.com: Prior to joining the UFC, you had competed in the WEC and later became the Ring of Fire Heavyweight Champion. However, you took gradual steps up in competition as opposed to immediately being thrown in against experienced veterans. Do you feel that this was beneficial for you and provided you with more opportunities to improve your skills?
Shane: I think that having that experience is helpful. I need to test myself and see how far I can go. I learn something new in every fight.
MMARising.com: Your record currently stands at a perfect 11 wins and no losses, with your longest fight to date lasting a mere 2:11. Coming off of your impressive come-from-behind victory over Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 96, you are now set to battle fellow undefeated rising star Cain Velasquez at UFC 104. What are your thoughts on that fight?
Shane: Cain is a multiple-time All-American Wrestler from ASU, trains with one of the most elite training camps in MMA and is one of the hottest - if not the hottest - rising prospects in the division. Cain is legit and he is my sole focus. One thing that I will say is that the only true way to get to a title shot is by having exciting fights that have the fans talking and wanting more. I am training to do just that. I intend on making a name for myself in this sport. I want to have the most exciting fight of the evening and Cain is tough enough to go toe-to-toe with me.
MMARising.com: If you are able to get past Velasquez, it is all but assured that you will move on to challenge for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Current champion Brock Lesnar allegedly made some comments prior to UFC 100 that you had taken exception to. He was said to have claimed that the two of you met just prior to UFC 96 at a Dave & Buster's, and that you both had your punching power tested on a punching bag that was there. He claims that he won. Your response?
Shane: I am pretty certain that he has since stated that he never said that about the power-punching. I really do not think about Brock. My attention is on Cain Velasquez.
MMARising.com: Do you feel that Brock Lesnar is a champion that the UFC (and MMA fans alike) can be proud of, or is having a 4-1 Heavyweight Champion a blemish on the UFC's list of titleholders, especially in light of his recent actions at UFC 100?
Shane: Brock is the defending UFC Heavyweight Champion and he deserves that belt, no doubt.
MMARising.com: Let's assume for a moment that you are victorious in your upcoming fight and move on to compete for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Would the fight be all about the title for you, or would you take pleasure in punching Lesnar in the face?
Shane: Right now, I am strictly focused on fighting a very tough Cain at UFC 104. Brock may fight Fedor or decide that he wants to be the national sales manager for Coors, but I can't worry about Brock. He isn't Cain, and Cain is a real opponent that deserves my attention.
MMARising.com: Do you believe that you can remain undefeated throughout your career? Is it more important to remain undefeated or to continue to have great fights against the best opponents possible?
Shane: I seriously doubt it. In MMA, there are too many ways to lose. The goal should not be to stay undefeated, but rather to have the most memorable performances.
MMARising.com: You have been training at the highly-regarded Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts camp with renowned trainer Greg Jackson. How much has this helped you as you continue to improve and develop as a fighter?
Shane: Greg Jackson and his fighters are great. He and my coaches work together on a lot of high-profile fights. Trevor Wittman (for MMA and striking) and Amal Easton (for BJJ) really give me all the tools that I need in order to be 100% fight-ready. Not to mention the amazing training partners that we have.
MMARising.com: Which training partner(s) do you most enjoy working with?
Shane: Brendan Shaub (you will see him on TUF 10). He and I started out together. When no one would train with us, we took care of each other. He is powerful and fast and tests me at every corner.
MMARising.com: If you could face one dream opponent from outside of the UFC, who would it be and why?
Shane: Fedor Emelianenko. To be the best, you have to fight the best.
MMARising.com: What are three things that fans can expect from Shane Carwin in the next year?
Shane: Hard work, honor and commitment (I'm already married, sorry ladies).
MMARising.com: Do you have any final comments or shout-outs to sponsors and family?
Shane: Thanks to my sponsors, Warrior Wear and Max Muscle. To my friends, family and extended family (my fans), thank you for being so great.
MMARising.com sincerely thanks Shane for taking the time for this interview and wishes him the best in his upcoming fight with Cain Velasquez at UFC 104.
