Brock Lesnar Faces Lengthy Medical Ban after UFC Title Loss
(CBS/AP) Brock Lesnar has been suspended 180 days, pending clearance by an ophthalmologist, in the wake of his heavyweight title loss to Cain Velasquez on Saturday at UFC 121.
The six-foot-three, 265-pounder faces a minimum 60-day medical ban for a nasty cut on his left cheek.
Lesnar must have "no contact for 180 days due to possible eye injuries," according to the official website of Mixed Martial Arts.
The California State Athletic Commission says Lesnar's basic purse for the mixed martial arts main event was $400,000, although such figures do not tell the tale for marquee fighters.
The UFC routinely rewards top fighters well beyond the purse figures reported to the commission — including a lucrative cut of the pay-per-view revenue.
Lesnar is one of the sport's biggest draws and his paydays have reportedly been pegged in the millions.
Velasquez, who won by first-round KO, made $270,000 including bonuses of $100,000 for the win and $70,000 for knockout of the night. That amount was undoubtedly sweetened considerably by the UFC.
With the win, Velasquez also became the first Mexican heavyweight champion in combat sports.
In other UFC news, heavyweight contender Shane Carwin says he's pulling out of a high-profile New Year's Day bout with a back injury.
Carwin (12-1) announced his decision on his blog Tuesday. He was expected to fight Roy Nelson in the co-main event at UFC 125 in the MGM Grand Garden.
He says he has unspecified damage to his back that may require surgery.
Carwin was unbeaten until his second-round submission loss to Lesnar last July.
The UFC has no obvious replacement for Carwin in his fight against Nelson, which could have set up the winner with a chance to face new heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez later in 2011.
Frankie Edgar will defend his UFC lightweight title against Gray Maynard in the main event at UFC 125.