Lesnar out to show UFC he is still champ

Brock Lesnar had never heard of diverticulitis before the intestinal illness nearly killed him last year.

That’s not all the UFC heavyweight champion learned during a year away from the octagon. He improved everything from his striking skills to his diet, and he’s eager to show Shane Carwin how he has grown.

Lesnar meets Carwin at UFC 116 in Las Vegas on Saturday night, completing a remarkable odyssey for mixed martial arts’ biggest pay-per-view star.

The former professional wrestler was forced to cancel two scheduled bouts with Carwin last fall while he struggled with a strength-sapping illness that went undiagnosed for several weeks.

While Lesnar got healthy, Carwin continued his remarkable rise, even winning the interim title.