When brick-fisted engineer Shane Carwin spent the entire first round of the UFC 116 main event playing Brock-a-mole, I was pretty confident we'd be seeing him defending the heavyweight title against undefeated contender Cain Velasquez later in the year.

What a difference a round makes.

Carwin was gassed and passed en route to a second-round strangulation, and to date, is still looking to get back into the win column after burying 12 straight victims.

With that in mind, it's no surprise to hear him come to the defense of Velasquez, who was cranium-cracked by Brazilian bomber Junior dos Santos at last Saturday night's UFC on FOX debut.

Straight from the horse's mouth (via The Underground):

"I know we are about to call the Cain hype train derailed. I want to remind you guys how young and talented he is. Junior hits hard and is accurate. This should not be a surprise to any of you. Cain is a young talented fighter and if you want to see the qualities of a UFC Champion you have to look no farther then Cain. Everyone loses it is what they do with that loss that defines them. I am certain that Cain will be a Champion again."

Velasquez rolled into the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, to defend the 265-pound title he ursurped from Brock Lesnar back at UFC 121.

Unfortunately it was the first appearance for the former blue-chip prospect in over a year, thanks to major shoulder surgery and an extended recovery period.

Whether or not his "cage rust" -- or questionable gameplan -- had anything to do with his 64-second loss is unknown, but let's also not forget he was facing a certifiable killer.

Shane Carwin, who survived "Cigano's" attempted murder at UFC 131, is proof of that.

Do you believe him when he says Cain will be champion again? Or is it too soon to tell? And who should Velasquez face on the rebound?

Lots to discuss here Maniacs ... go to work.