UFC 116 tips - Brock Lesnar odds-on favourite to beat Shane Carwin on July 3rd

We're still several weeks away from UFC 116, but Brock Lesnar v Shane Carwin on July 3rd is the talk of the MMA world

Heavyweight Champion Lesnar can currently be backed at a best price 4/7 with Sportingbet.

Interim champion Carwin, who beat Frank Mir back at UFC 111 to earn the big-money pay-per-view clash with Lesnar, can be backed at a best price 13/8 with Stan James.

UFC President Dana White recently said of the upcoming clash: "When people wonder why the heavyweights capture the imagination of all fight fans, it’s because of guys like Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin.

"Not only are they great athletes and former national wrestling champions, but they both have the ability to end a fight with one punch.

"This is one of those fights that you won’t be able to turn away from because it can be over in a split second, and when it’s over, only one will walk away as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion of the world."

Carwin, who is yet to be taken to a second round in a professional fight, has twice been scheduled to fight former pro wrestler Lesnar.

Their first meeting was originally set for UFC 106 last November, before a rescheduled date for UFC 108 in January was announced. But champion Lesnar was forced out of both events due to a severe case of diverticulitis, which at one point was life-threatening.

Lesnar has completed a remarkable return to full fitness just months after his career was in jeopardy and will go into UFC 116 with a 4-1 record (3-1 UFC), although those who usually back him may be weary of doing so this time around due to his year-long layoff.

Carwin is eager to take his chance against the former WWE star.

"I have wanted a chance to compete against Brock since my college wrestling days," he explained. "He is an elite athlete who is always dangerous.

"His college wrestling background makes him extremely tough. I will be the first fighter he has faced who is equal in size.

"He won't be able to bully me or hold me down as he has others in the past. This is the biggest fight of my life.

"I think it can go down as one of the greatest fights in UFC history. I expect to have my hand raised and to become the REAL UFC heavyweight champion."

Shane Carwin predicts a Knockout victory against Brock Lesnar