Who’s next for Shane Carwin?

Published on: 8th March, 2009

Who's next for Shane Carwin?  | read this item

Shane Carwin finished Gonzaga in 69 seconds

At UFC 96 Shane Carwin (11-0) once again showed why he is considered to be a legitimate threat to any fighter who steps into the Octagon to face him. He survived an early blow from Gabriel Gonzaga which sent his eyes rolling to the back of his head and his undefeated streak in serious trouble. Carwin then landed in an even more dangerous position when Gonzaga put him on his back and seemed poised to lay down a barrage of elbows and punches. Instead Carwin stood back up and surprised all of us and proceeded to knockout the 250 pound Gonzaga with a short right straight punch and once again finished his opponent in under 2 minutes. The question now is: who is next for Shane Carwin?

The winner of Mir vs Lesnar?

Many people can argue that Carwin is probably due for the next title shot against the winner of the Brock Lesnar vs Frank Mir bout, but now that the fight looks like it will happen at UFC 100 or later it may be too much time out of the Octagon. Carwin is hot right now and it appears he would be risking losing momentum if he stood out of the Octagon for up to 6 months waiting on a title shot.

Is Cheick Kongo (13-4) next for Carwin?

Cheick Kongo seems to be the most likely opponent for Carwin in his next bout, but UFC match maker Joe Silva and Dana White have surprised us on several occasions. What makes sense for fans, writers and critics is not what is always best for business. Kongo has now gone 6-2 in the UFC and has won 2 in a row after a close split decision loss to Heath Herring at UFC 82. Kongo seems likely, but like I said you never know who Joe Silva will match up next.

Heath Herring vs Cain Velasquez UFC 99 winner?

Heath Herring (28-14)can jump right back into the title hunt with a win over Cain Velasquez at UFC 99. Herring has always been a stepping stone for Heavyweights on the rise since his days in Pride. Perhaps he could come back from his long absence and prove that he is no “Gate Keeper” and defeat the UFC’s two best up and coming Heavyweights in his division.

The young and talented Cain Velasquez (6-0) can also take another step closer to a title shot with a win over the veteran Herring. If Velasquez was to win he would improve to 6-0 and would be 4-0 in the UFC. This would also be another solid option for Carwin’s next opponent, but I don’t think the UFC is going to rush Velasquez into title contention right away. I also do not see them putting two of their most talented Heavyweights against each other so soon, but if they did I would not mind.

Junior Dos Santos next for Carwin?

I imagine this would be a bout that many fans would like to see happen especially given the potential for a beautiful knockout ending.  Junior Dos Santos (8-1) has knocked out both of his opponents since making his UFC debut. His first knocked Fabricio Werdum right out of the UFC title picture and arguably out of the UFC as well. Dos Santos vs Carwin would be another match-up that fans would love to see given the fact that both fighters opponents have not made it out of the first round because of their aggressive styles.

While this is all speculation we look forward to seeing Carwin get into the Octagon again in 2009 against anyone of these possible opponents. Given the fact that you never know what is on Joe Silva’s mind, for all we know Carwin could fight someone making their UFC debut next or even the winner of Randy Couture vs Antonio Minotauro Nogueira’s bout at UFC 101.

As usual we will let you know as soon as Carwin does have an opponent for his next bout.

 Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author

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