Shane Carwin[ads2][ads1]With one simple tweet, 38-year-old former UFC interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin has announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts:

https://twitter.com/ShaneCarwin/status/331934176372723712

Unlike many other fighters, Carwin maintained his career as an mechanical engineer while at the same time fighting. His work was such that he could take time off when necessary to train or travel to fights. So, monetarily Carwin should be fine as he transitions into post-MMA life.

One of the core group of fighters at Grudge Training Center in Wheat Ridge, Colo., Carwin leaves MMA having gone 12-2 as a pro. He was known as one of the strongest and hardest punchers to ever enter the game, having ended all 12 of his victories in the first round; seven by knockout, five by submission.

Carwin fought six times in the UFC, winning his first four fights in the first round via (T)KO, including a TKO win over Frank Mir for the UFC interim heavyweight title.

In July 2010, Carwin fought then UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar for the title. After nearly finishing Lesnar with a vicious beatdown in the first round, Lesnar survived and came back in round two to finish a spent Carwin via TKO. It was Carwin’s first loss.

Carwin returned to the Octagon nearly a year later, in June 2011, against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 131. For the first time in Carwin’s career the bout went the distance and Dos Santos was awarded the unanimous decision . It would be Carwin’s final bout.

In 2012 Carwin served as coach opposite Roy Nelson on The Ultimate Fighter 16. He was supposed to fight Nelson at the conclusion of the season but suffered a knee injury, ended up having surgery and the bout never materialized.

At one time Carwin would put to sleep practically anyone he touched — and for that enormous power — will he likely most be remembered.

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