UFC 116 Brock Lesnar Vs. Shane Carwin Preview

It has been a long time coming, but Brock Lesnar will finally face Shane Carwin in a battle between two of the biggest UFC heavyweights of all time. Originally scheduled for UFC 106, the match got postponed after Lesnar
fell to a serious illness.

Normally, a new opponent would be found for Carwin to avoid a long layoff for both fighters. Complications arose, however, as Carwin had been promised a UFC Heavyweight title shot. With the champion unable to defend and a challenger, rightfully, unwilling to risk losing in a contenders match up it left the heavyweight division in disarray.

The match was rescheduled for UFC 108 in January of 2010 before details arose about just how serious Brock Lesnar's illness was. The match was quickly postponed again. This time, however, the UFC was not going to risk having the top contender sit on the shelf. An interim UFC Heavyweight title fight was scheduled between Shane Carwin and former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir. It was announced that the winner of this fight would go on to face Brock Lesnar to unify the disputed championship.

Carwin made short work of Mir, claiming the interim belt and the right to face off against Lesnar. At UFC 116, going down July 3, 2010, Carwin and Lesnar will finally see who is the best between these supersized brawlers.

George Sotiropoulos (12-2) vs. "Batman" Kurt Pellegrino (15-4)

Last Fight for Sotiropoulos: Defeated Joe Stevenson by Unanimous Decision at UFC 110.
Last Fight for Pellegrino: Defeated Fabricio Camoes by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at UFC 111.

Rundown: These two Lightweight contenders have quietly built up impressive resumes in the UFC. Sotiropoulos comes into this fight with a six fight winning streak, highlighted with a victory over The Ultimate Fighter 2 Welterweight Champion Joe Stevenson while Pellegrino is riding a four fight win streak over the likes of Josh Neer and Rob Emerson.

Kurt Pellegrino is a very game opponent, but has surprisingly weak submission defense for a fighter with his pedigree. Three of his four career losses have come via submission, most recently succumbing to a Triangle Choke from Nate Diaz two years ago.