Former UFC Interim Heavyweight king Shane Carwin recently revealed some sad news about how damaged his brain is following a career in MMA.
For many new UFC fans, Shane Carwin is a name they are unfamiliar with. However, long-time fans remember him as a hulking figure who was one of the most feared fighters in the division during his era. From 2008 to 2011 he fought inside the Octagon on six occasions and won four times.
During his stint in the company, he developed a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting fighters in the promotion at that time. And he earned the interim heavyweight title in a dominant win over Frank Mir at UFC 111. He hit a peak when he headlined UFC 116 in a unification bout against former UFC champ Brock Lesnar.
However, a couple of years later he was out of the company, and seemingly the sport, at just 35 years old. While he made his mark on MMA, he is also one of the great what-if stories in the company. Yet, it seems his decision to walk away from the sport in 2012 — while correct — came too late.
Shane Carwin record: 12-2
Shane Carwin believes he has CTE, having trouble keeping jobs due to its effects
The UFC is finalizing a new settlement amount in their ongoing anti-trust lawsuit. On Tuesday, several plaintiff declarations were made public by veteran MMA journalist John S. Nash. Declarations offered opinions on whether the proposed $375 million settlement is enough or needs to be increased. Shane Carwin is one of the few fighters who wants a settlement soon to help him battle financial issues caused by a punishing career in the cage.
“While fighting for the UFC, I suffered many significant injuries, including concussions. I fear that during my career I have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and am noticing symptoms common with TBI and CTE including addiction, depression, mood swings, and irritability.”
“Despite having a degree in engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, I have been unable to maintain adequate focus to hold down an engineering job. I face serious challenges in meeting basic everyday expenses for food, shelter, transportation and in basic life skills necessary to function.”
“This would truly be life-changing money for me and for other members of the class. These funds would also allow me to obtain the healthcare I need and keep a roof over my head and food on my table. I desperately need these funds now.”
“For me, a significant recovery in the near future is much more appealing than the possibility of a large recovery several years from now, especially in light of the possibility that there would be no recovery at all if this settlement were not approved.”
Shane Carwin
Only one of Carwin’s six fights in the UFC took place during the period the lawsuit covers. Nevertheless, he would get a sizable settlement amount that would go far toward improving his way of life immediately.
