Unable to shake off an ongoing illness, UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar has withdrawn from his upcoming UFC 106 title defence against top contender Shane Carwin. The fight has been tentatively rescheduled for UFC 108 on January 2, 2010.

A light heavyweight rematch between Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin will now headline the UFC 106 card, which takes place on November 21st. The co-main event features the promotional debut of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who takes on rising star Luiz Cane.

Lesnar (4-1-0) has been sick for nearly four weeks and has been unable to train for the bout with Carwin. UFC President Dana White has commented that Lesnar is very sick, but he does not believe that he is stricken with the H1N1 flu virus.

Carwin (11-0-0) expressed his disappointment with the news, but he will remain as the #1 contender and should receive his title shot at UFC 108.

Despite the loss of Lesnar, UFC 106 is still poised to be a solid event and should draw a significant viewing audience due to the return of Ortiz.