It looks as though the plan is to have undefeated heavyweight heavy-hitter Shane Carwin (11-0) face Frank Mir (13-4) for an interim heavyweight title on March 27, at UFC 111, in Newark, N.J. Carwin confirmed the expected match-up today on his website (www.shane-carwin.com):

I expect to make my return to the UFC in March 2010. I will be fighting in Newark New Jersey at UFC 111. I have not signed any contracts yet but I have told my manager to inform UFC Matchmaker that “I accept the offer”.

Carwin had originally been next in line to face UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar for a shot at his title. However, with the champ indefinitely sidelined, and unless he recovers much sooner than expected, it is likely the UFC will implement another interim title for the heavyweight division.

It was just a year ago that Frank Mir won his first interim heavyweight title against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 92, but that title was retired when Lesnar defeated Mir at UFC 100 to win the undisputed heavyweight title. Could Mir actually win a second interim title in just as many years?

If his performance at UFC 107 is any indication, the answer is a definite yes.

Carwin shared a few words about Mir:

I have a ton of respect for my proposed opponent. He has a good stand up game and can be effective on the ground. The only way to become the best fighter is to continually challenge yourself against the best fighters in the World.

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