Shane Carwin - Cleared For Contact

[keithlewis]

http://www.shane-carwin.com/cleared-for-contact/

The most common question I get is “when are you coming back”. Not soon enough is my usual answer. I am probably as impatient as the rest of the Carwin Army. I have decided to look at the time off like a blessing.

My entire career is shorter then some Pride Fights. I have somehow managed to contend for the UFC HW Title with less than an hour of actual fighting. On one hand that is amazing on the other it kind of scary to think I am facing seasoned veterans with limited experience. Talk about swimming with the sharks. The time off has allowed me to focus on me. Work on the fundamentals of the sport and improve. Maybe most important, to fall in love with the sport again.

One of the biggest mistakes fighters make is in preparing for fights is that we often build our camps around the current oppositions strengths. Facing a Southpaw? Find one. Facing a BJJ Blackbet? Find one. As if we can somehow transform ourselves into experts in another field while preparing for the fight. It is a rare thing when you have your trainers and the time to work on what you need. That has been me for the last few months. Working on my fundamentals. I have a ton of one on one time now with Coach Wittman, my Kickboxing is improving.

No one ever “wants” or “needs” back surgery but I did “need” the time to improve my skills. Being a good wrestler with heavy hands is only a fraction of skills needed to become a World Champion. I am certain when I come back you will see a more diverse and hungry fighter. I will not be worried about my extra pounds causing cardio problems, and I will not stumble on the way up this mountain top. You are going to see the Old Shane with new and improved skills fighting because its what I love to do.

I informed UFC Matchmaker (Joe Silva) that I would like to fight in Early Fall 2012. I would like to be able to fight every three or four months. Barring injury I intend to leave the UFC octagon and head back to the Grudge Training Center to continue the climb. I have spent my entire career dealing with injuries sustained through Football. I am 100% and I feel like a younger version of my former self. The UFC should look into adding some padding in the gloves because I plan on crushing my opponents.

See you this Fall!

-Carwin