Dana White: Lesnar Undergoes Surgery, Hopes to Return in 2012

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Brock Lesnar underwent surgery yesterday in relation to his most recent battle with diverticulitis.

UFC president Dana White announced the news during the UFC 130 “Prelims Live” special on Spike TV.

“Brock Lesnar had surgery yesterday. They removed about 12 inches of his colon, and they repaired it,” said White. “He says he feels great. He's a little sore, but the operation was a huge success. We're hoping that he can be back by the first of the year. He's excited to recover and get back in the UFC.”

Lesnar was supposed to face fellow “Ultimate Fighter 13” coach Junior dos Santos at UFC 131, but the former champion was forced to withdraw from that contest when his diverticulitis resurfaced. Dos Santos will instead face former title contender Shane Carwin at the June 11 event.

Known for his dominant wrestling skills and his history with the WWE, Lesnar debuted with the UFC in 2008, falling by submission to Frank Mir. Lesnar would rebound from the loss by outpointing Heath Herring before knocking out Randy Couture to win the UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 91.

Lesnar suffered his first bout with diverticulitis in late 2009, pulling out of a planned UFC 106 clash with Carwin. After making changes to his diet, Lesnar returned to the cage at UFC 116 in July and defeated Carwin by submission. Most recently, the Death Clutch founder was knocked out by Cain Velasquez in October, losing his title to the American Kickboxing Academy product at UFC 121.