Mir says Carwin more dangerous than Lesnar, OK if Velasquez gets first crack |
| Posted By |
Message |
Jride
Standup Guy
Career record: 432-296
Season: 30-20 (#1007)
Location: Stockton, CA
|
After splitting a pair of bouts with UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, former title holder Frank Mir has made little effort to hide his current motivation.
As such, some have labeled Mir a "stalker" because of his singular focus on a rubber match with the champ.
Nevertheless, Mir carries on in search of facing Lesnar once again. But standing in his way at UFC 111 is undefeated challenger Shane Carwin, who Mir says may actually be a tougher opponent.
"I think he's very similar to Brock Lesnar," Mir told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "He's somebody that's strong, and he's a good wrestler. But I think that Carwin, in a lot of ways, is actually more dangerous for me."
The similarities between Carwin and Lesnar are evident with just a cursory glance. The two massive wrestlers have changed the face of the heavyweight division in short order with their powerful builds and overwhelming strength.
But Mir believes Carwin possesses something extra.
"Brock and Carwin are both better wrestlers than I am," Mir said. "Most likely, they'll both be able to take me down. Most likely, they'll both be able to win the fight if I get stuck against the cage on my back with my head jammed up. But with that being said, with Lesnar, on my feet, I have no real anxiety about standing there and boxing. He's knocked people over because he clubs people with his hands, but he's not really a knockout artist. Carwin has actually knocked people out.
"In a fight with Lesnar, the goal is to keep it on the feet, and I'll win the fight. With Carwin, if I say just keep it on my feet and I fall asleep on him while looking for the shot, I can easily go to sleep if I get caught. He's shown the ability to knock people out. To me, he's a dual threat."
With the interim title on the line in the March 27 matchup, an eventual shot at the champ hangs in the balance. But UFC president Dana White has said that a fight between the winner and Lesnar isn't a guarantee.
Top contender Cain Velasquez, who turned in an impressive performance against MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in February, could leapfrog the newly crowned interim champ if injuries prove a factor.
Mir once again stated his desire to face Lesnar but also said he would understand if he was forced to wait.
"The competitor in me wants to face Lesnar as soon as possible and be the first one in line," Mir said. "As far as if it worked out, I don't feel like holding the heavyweight division hostage. If after, if I'm victorious on March 27, and I had an injury that didn't allow me to fight, and Brock wants to take a risk to fight Cain first before he fights me, more power to him."
Mir admits he views Velasquez as a credible threat. In fact, he thinks Lesnar might feel the same way and should probably avoid that particular confrontation.
"I think [Velasquez] is a dangerous fight for [Lesnar]," Mir said. "I would be willing to bet that maybe he would be more comfortable waiting for me."
Link
|
|
Post #1 3/14/10 5:59:37PM
|
|
|
BustedKnuckle
MMA Sensei
Career record: 424-232
Season: 32-18 (#496)
Location: The Flip Side
|
I want Cain to fight Brock. It woukld be a great fight and I think would derail Brock. Maybe humble him a bit. Then onto the next fight......Carwin vs Velasquez!!!
|
|
Post #2 3/14/10 6:24:35PM
|
Advertisement |
|
icantthinkofanything
Belt Contender
Career record: 422-294
Season: 23-11 (#2304)
Location: between hell and hells kitchen
|
this match is so hard to call
i cant wait for ufc 111
i havent been this hyped for a ufc since 100
|
|
Post #3 3/14/10 7:57:28PM
|
tepid55
MMA Sensei
Career record: 759-410
Season: 35-15 (#44)
Location: Texas
|
Mir has a point here, Carwin and Lesnar both have good wrestling skills, but Carwin is the much more dangerous striker standing up.
|
|
Post #4 3/14/10 8:10:34PM
|
prozacnation1978
Heavyweight Champ
Career record: 720-362
Season: 36-14 (#165)
Location: san diego
|
I wish it was cain vs brock as well
He deserves first crack at the title
This event is the best since ufc 100
|
|
Post #5 3/14/10 9:18:15PM
|
bjj1605
MMA Sensei
Career record: 626-379
Season: 39-11 (#165)
Location: Chicago
|
Posted by prozacnation1978
This event is the best since ufc 100
I definitely agree with you there. But I think this is one of the few times I'd rather see a rematch for a title shot than the new guy. Cain absolutely deserves a shot but I'd rather see Brock vs Mir 3 to get that all sorted out first.
I think Mir came across very humble here. Saying he could lose to both Brock and Carwin by GNP and that he could get knocked out by Carwin. It's nothing but truth, but it's impressive to hear from the man talking about losing. He also says Brock is probably more scared of Velasquez than of him.
That's a far car from the arrogant Frank Mir that people like to portray.
Last edited 3/14/10 11:37PM by bjj1605
Edit note/reason: n/a
|
|
Post #6 3/14/10 11:36:51PM
|
17 Wins and Counting
Career record: 660-411
Season: 30-20 (#1247)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
|
Posted by bjj1605
That's a far car from the arrogant Frank Mir that people like to portray.
He does a good job portraying it himself. But that being said, he's going to demolish Carwin.
Unless Shane has learned some head movement, he's going to get caught in the same fashion that Kongo did. I've yet to see Carwin use his wrestling, so I'm still not sold that he has just as good of wrestling as Brock.
And yes, this event is ridiculous.
_______________________________________
Twitter
****
The Black and Blue Podcast **** MMA@Work Podcast
***************************************************************************
"A fighter can only beat who is put in front of him." - Ray Thompson
|
|
Post #7 3/15/10 11:41:51AM
|
|
