With UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar still sidelined due to a serious and ongoing illness, the promotion may instate an interim title at UFC 111 in a rumoured bout between former champion Frank Mir and top contender Shane Carwin. In a statement on his website, Carwin has already verbally agreed to the fight.
Lesnar continues to battle diverticulitis and may require further surgery in the coming weeks, which would delay or cancel his return entirely if it is needed. With his future uncertain, an interim title may be necessary.
Mir (13-4-0) is coming off of what was arguably the best performance of his career, as he dismantled talented kickboxer Cheick Kongo in just 72 seconds. Dropping Kongo early in the fight, Mir quickly secured a guillotine choke and choked the French star unconscious. Mir entered the fight at 264.5 pounds, but looked to be in excellent physical shape.
Carwin (11-0-0) has yet to have a single fight make it out of the first round, but he has not faced the same level of competition that Mir and others in the division have. He was set to challenge Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight Championship prior to Lesnar’s sidelining due to the illness, but may now have a chance to capture (interim) title gold with a victory over Mir.
While it is no secret that Mir’s focus lies squarely on a rubber match with Lesnar, he proved at UFC 107 that he is not overlooking opponents who stand in his way during the interim. Already the first and only man to stop Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, an impressive victory over Carwin would immediately solidify Mir’s spot as the new top contender.
UFC 111 is targeted for March 27th in Newark, New Jersey.