Shane in photo by Josh Hedges
All of Shane Carwin’s 12 wins came by knockout or tapout in the first round. And with just one lone blemish on his record, the heavyweight’s words carry a good deal of weight:
“I’m not the type of fighter to win on points, I go out there to try and destroy.”
At UFC 131 this Saturday in Canada Carwin, who is training with our GMA Amal Easton, has the big opportunity of his career. If he beats Junior Cigano, he’ll likely get a shot at Cain Velasquez’s belt, a chance he missed having when he faced then-heavyweight number one Brock Lesnar.
“I realize we don’t get many opportunities like this in life, and this one is huge. It gives me a chance to go out there and do something I love. Cigano is one of the best in the world, and I think this is the fourth top-ten fighter I face,” he said.
“Cigano’s no joke. I feel he’s really well-rounded, really hard to take down, and no one has ever really seen his Jiu-Jitsu. He trains with (Minotauro) Nogueira, so you know he’s got skills, and his striking and speed are at the top of the heavyweight division,” he added.
On the fight, the deadly knockout artist expects a strike-filled affair.
“I feel Cigano has that kind of attitude. He’s really confident and has been destroying people. When I see Cigano and his attitude, I think he’ll strike with anybody,” he said in closing.
Check out the card:
UFC 131
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
June 11, 2011
Junior Cigano vs. Shane Carwin
Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes
Jon Olav Einemo vs. Dave Herman
Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz
Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha
Yves Edwards vs. Sam Stout
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman
Mike Massenzio vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
James Head vs. Nick Ring
Dustin Poirier vs. Jason Young
Joey Beltran vs. Aaron Rosa
Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa