Thoughts On A Potential Frank Mir-Shane Carwin Fight
By Bryan Levick on Dec 15, 2009
After watching Frank Mir decimate Cheick Kongo in less time than it would take to order a pizza, I had one potential fight pop into my mind for the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Shane Carwin.
What better way to prepare himself for a third go around with Brock Lesnar than to take on a fighter with so many similarities to the current UFC heavyweight champion?
Lo and behold, shortly after winning his UFC 107 bout, Mir mentioned a possible showdown with Carwin.
He even went so far as to say that Carwin is better than Lesnar.
That of course, remains to be seen, but the possibility of Mir and Carwin going toe-to-toe is very real.
After Mir put Kongo to sleep, he re-awakened his name as a top contender. Not that he ever slid too far down the ladder, but with this win he vaulted back into my top three.
We all know of Mir’s prowess on the ground, and we all saw his improved striking against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, but in the little time he had to showcase his new size and skills on Saturday, Mir made a huge statement.
Coming in just one half-pound under the heavyweight limit, Mir looked in fantastic shape.
In fact, it was Mir who said that he needed to add an additional twenty pounds of muscle, if he wanted to compete with Lesnar.
It looks like he did that. And he did it in a big way.
Carwin currently has no opponents lined-up for when he is able to fight again, which should be in February.
How about Mir, who would be ready to go around March, at UFC 113 in New Jersey?
It all makes perfect sense. It gives Mir the test he is looking for; to see if the added muscle will be enough to overcome the size advantage Lesnar held over him.
For Carwin, it’s an opportunity to fight a former champion, a top level fighter who is entering the prime of his career.
Carwin released a statement on his blog, saying he would be honored to fight Mir. He actually called him a legend of the sport.
With Lesnar’s status still unclear, and other contenders locked into fights, this one makes too much sense.
Anyone disagree?
Filed Under: MMA
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Carwin will not be fighting in February, for, as he stated in his blog (and many other places), his wife gives birth to their daughter early in the month, and he will not be anywhere but by her side.
He’s back sparring having taken time to rehab his knee, and will be ready to fight when Silva gives him a call (his words).
April would be my guess.
If Mir needs someone to play with meanwhile, I’m sure Roy Nelson would be happy to accommodate him. Let ‘s see if Mir can improve his performance from the last time he stepped on a mat with Nelson.
Lucky for Mir if he steps on the mat with Roy it won’t be a grappling match. I think Mir would win a decision if they fight MMA.
I think you mean UFC 111? Didn’t they say something about the UFC moving this fight because of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight? I guess they are saying March 27th now. Anyway, I think it would be a great match but like others have pointed out Carwin may not be ready. Plus if it is GSP vs. Hardy as the main event then I doubt they would put this fight on there as well. Especially considering no one knows when/if Lesnar will be back.
As far as Nelson vs. Mir I would like to see that, but I do not see it happening right now. Again with Lesnar out there may be a need for an interim title shot soon and you would have to think it would be between Carwin, Mir, Velasquez or Nogueira. And I cannot see Nelson in that mix right now.
Bill