Shane Carwin, who was scheduled to challenge Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title, has been critical of Lesnar in the past, but Carwin is now the one coming to the defense of the champ as he recovers from bacterial infection in his intestinal tract."I am sure most of you know I am not the leader of the Lesnar Fan Club," Carwin posted Tuesday on the MixedMartialArts.com forums. "That being said, antics or not, he is OUR UFC HWT Champion. He beat a future Hall of Famer to keep that belt and he NEEDS our prayers and good thoughts right now."
Carwin is defending Lesnar from inappropriate comments and jokes towards Lesnar's condition and talk of an interim championship.
Lesnar is not the most liked fighter, especially for his Lesnar's post-fight actions following UFC 100, and Carwin has been vocal in the past to about his distain towards Lesnar's pro wrestling antics.
"He may be a champion but he has a long ways to go before he earns the respect of a champion," Carwin stated after Lesnar's win over Frank Mir.
But with Lesnar in a serious health condition, Carwin feels sympathy for the Lesnar outside the cage.
"Brock has a wife, kid, and friends that depend on him to make their lives better," Carwin wrote. "You do not have to support Brock and his antics but you should have respect for the human side of what is happening here.
"This is not a ploy to sell more tickets, he is the biggest draw this sport has ever had. This is not him ducking me or any other fighter. This is about a man who is fighting an illness for his career, family and friends.
"Talk of stripping a man of his title due to illness will set this sport back farther then anything Brock has ever said. We need our Champions healthy and defending. I know the show will go on but to be a Champion you must beat a Champion."
Carwin is encouraging others to put aside their disapproval of Lesnar at this difficult time.
"If you sit around bashing Brock or making fun of this because of his antics you might be the very same thing you despise," Carwin wrote. "As an MMA fan, as a human be concerned that one of OUR OWN has fallen and needs our support.
"Get well soon UFC Heavyweight Champ Brock Lesnar."
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