The Weekly Wrap: Nov. 14 - Nov. 20

Lesnar, UFC 108 Woes Continue

Despite a series of last-ditch efforts, the UFC was not able to secure a new main event for its big year-end card on Jan. 2 at UFC 108, as it became clear that two of the promotion’s top heavyweights will be out of action indefinitely.

Word spread from MMA blogs all the way to The Associated Press and TMZ that UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is locked in a battle with a debilitating intestinal infection that required a 12-day hospitalization and minor surgery.

Lesnar was diagnosed with mononucleosis two weeks ago. He traveled to a property he owns in Canada to recuperate, collapsed there and was rushed to the hospital. A Minneapolis television news report said that Lesnar was suffering from Diverticulitis, which enflames the digestive system and causes fever, nausea pain and changes in bowel habits. UFC President Dana White said Lesnar had a hole in his intestine that was causing intense discomfort.

White speculated in press interviews early in the week that Lesnar’s MMA career may be over, which would be a huge blow considering his value as the UFC’s top pay-per-view attraction. But such fears seemed to subside as Lesnar was released from the hospital and began recovery. Lesnar’s jiu-jitsu coach told TMZ late in the week that Lesnar would be back in six months.

The UFC at one point was looking to reschedule Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin, originally set for this Saturday, for Jan. 2. The promotion had also tapped Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to face Cain Velasquez, but Nogueira pulled out due to a severe staph infection in his left elbow. It was the same condition that led to Nogueira’s sluggish performance against Frank Mir at UFC 92. The Brazilian may require intravenous antibiotics for the recovery.

In the wake of these developments, the UFC put out a press release listing Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva as the official main event for the card. It is expected an interim heavyweight champion will be crowned at a later date.