Shane Carwin is a knockout machine. Since joining the UFC in May 2008, he has knocked out four straight opponents in the first round. His professional MMA record currently stands at 12-0. He has finished every single opponent in the first round, seven by knockout, four by submission, one by submission due to strikes.

Carwin’s latest victim was former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Many thought Mir’s experience, technical boxing, and dangerous ground game would be too much for Carwin. Apparently, Carwin’s fists didn’t get the memo.

Next up for “The Engineer” is current UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. Their fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 116 on July 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Will Lesnar be the first person to put a stop to this wrecking machine with gloves? Lesnar has never faced anyone like Carwin. Then again, Carwin has never faced anyone like Lesnar.

ProMMAnow.com spoke with Carwin this week about his knockout power. We wanted to find out if all that power is just because of his size and strength, and how much technique is involved. Where did he learn to drop the world’s biggest men like grade school bullies, and is it something that can be taught? Carwin gave us the answers.

There’s more to knocking guys out than just being big and strong isn’t there? There are plenty of big and strong guys in the sport, but there are few men who can put their opponents to sleep every single time. What makes your punches different than most?

I think size is part of it but I work really hard in the gym on all aspects of the sport. I am not comfortable being a great wrestler, I work on becoming better at wrestling. I am working on my striking, submissions, all aspects of the game.

What percentage of your knockout punches are technique, and what percentage is strength?

I am certain my Coach will tell you it is the perfect blend of both. I have to throw the punch right for it to do its job effectively.

Can the type of knockout power you possess be taught or is it something you are born with? If it can be taught, how did you get to that level, is there someone, a coach or teacher, who really helped you get to this point with your punching?

I credit Coach Trevor Wittman with refining my skills. I showed up as a wrestler with power and he created the rest.

What about the lightweight guys; for instance, Sean Sherk. He has nice boxing, but he can go three rounds, hit a guy a few hundred times and the guy never goes down or gets hurt. Could someone like him be taught to do what you do, or do they just not weigh enough?

I do not know enough about him to say. Technique and power is what it takes.

How many amateur fights did you have Shane before you turned pro, what was your record, and did you finish all those guys too?

I skipped the Amateurs and went pro.

You don’t really seem to utilize jabs do you? It seems like every punch you throw is meant to turn the lights out. Can you explain your philosophy behind that.

I am trying to finish fights, not feel guys out. I think the jab is very useful but it also opens you up. I like to set up power shots with power shots.

I like reading your blogs, and I’m glad you started doing that. It’s a great way to connect to the fans without a middle man. You had mentioned there was some issue with your medicals before the fight with Frank Mir. What was that about – and were you concerned at any point the fight might not get to happen? That would have been a travesty.

I get into details on my blog at www.shane-carwin.com. It was a medical test that led to further test. I was thankful the UFC was being as thorough as they were. On Wednesday it was 50/50 for me.

I liked your MMA journalist rankings too, that was pretty cool. Hopefully this interview will get me a few brownie points.

(laughs) It is impossible to remember all the journalists out there. I am FAR from an expert. That being said, they rank us all the time and very few f them even train, let alone compete.

Okay, next for you is it… finally, you get to face Brock Lesnar for the title. Do you think he’s going to get sick again before the fight this time? Do you think maybe he was so worried about fighting you that you just upset his stomach so bad it caused those intestinal issues for him?

I think I am facing Brock July 3rd in las Vegas. I think his illness was serious, that being said the whooping I am going to put on him is serious too.

Who hits harder, you or Brock?

I am the better MMA fighter!

You have a career outside of fighting. When you start a training camp for a particular fight, do you take time off from your job to just focus on training for that time, or do you keep the same routine? Will you be taking time off from your day job to focus on training for Brock, or is it business as usual?

I have a routine that allows for both. If I am tired or beat up I can call in without much of an issue.

Justin Wren is a buddy of ours, and I know he’s one of your teammates there at Grudge. How’s he looking these days, and what has it been like having him around?

I have not seen a whole lot of him. He was working a lot with us right after The Ultimate Fighter.

What has Trevor Wittman meant to you and your career?

I think as a trainer he is one of the BEST. He has been a great planner and sets the pace in practice so we can achieve those plans of his.

Well, your title fight is still a couple of months away. Hopefully we can catch up with you as that fight gets closer. Thank you for your time today Shane. Is there anyone you would like to thank, or do you want to send any shout outs?

Just want to thank my manager, my wife, family, fans and sponsors. You all mean the world to me! TeamCarwin!

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