Former UFC heavyweight Shane Carwin takes executive role with Colorado's PFC

Former UFC interim heavyweight titleholder Shane Carwin (12-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) walked away from fighting earlier this year, but he’ll remain involved in MMA.

Carwin recently announced he’s joined Colorado’s Prize Fighting Championship as the promotion’s vice president of fighter development.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Carwin stated in an official release. “I always remember fighting and wishing I had someone to talk to that had gone through the ranks, made it to the UFC and retired successfully. It always seemed like promoters, managers, armchair fighters and trainers were giving me advice from every direction.

“The fighters and trainers will be more than welcome to call me. I hope I can give these fighters a roadmap for success in life. Along with that, I hope to bridge the gap between the promoter and the fighters. If the fighters and trainers are happy and performing, the sky is the limit for them and PFC.”

Carwin last fought at UFC 131 in June 2011 against Junior dos Santos in a heavyweight title eliminator. He took dos Santos the distance, but dropped a unanimous decision. After battling through neck and back surgeries and suffering a knee injury while training for his return to action, the 38-year-old Carwin called it quits this past May.

Backed by Fight to Win promotions, Prize Fighting Championship held its first event in 2012 under the name Paramount Prize Fighting. This past January, the promotion rebranded its name to Prize Fighting Championship. In its first event, Colorado native Jeremy Kimball picked up a win in the night’s headliner by earning a decision over nine-time UFC veteran Drew McFedries.

The promotion returns to action on July 13 at Denver’s 8,000-seat Magness Arena for Prize Fighting Championship 2, where once-beaten lightweight prospect Tony Sims (6-1) faces 42-year-old veteran Thomas “Wildman” Denny (27-20-1).

Carwin said he hopes to set precedent for what the future of the organization will bring to the MMA scene.

“This will be the most professional show next to the UFC,” Carwin said.

(Pictured: Shane Carwin)