After booking Shane Carwin vs. Cain Velasquez, UFC made it clear that, sans the acquisition of Fedor Emelianenko, the winner of that UFC 104 bout would get a heavyweight title shot against Brock Lesnar.
The plans have changed.
According to numerous reports, UFC is now planning to give Shane Carwin an immediate shot at Lesnar’s belt. Apparently a move to get another Lesnar fight on pay-per-view as soon as possible–in addition to helping set the buyrate record, Lesnar’s presence at UFC 100 significantly boosted overall interest in the product–in order to create momentum for the winter events.
Because he has been a vocal critic of Brock Lesnar’s antics at UFC 100, Carwin makes for the most marketable “hot shot” opponent. The match is tentatively penciled in for UFC 106 in November. Tito Ortiz vs. Mark Coleman is also expected to take place on the card.
Cain Velasquez, who is still slated to fight at UFC 104, will remain on the radar for a title shot with a victory. The winners of Junior Dos Santos vs. Mirko Cro Cop and Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will also be under consideration for a chance at the belt.