ANAHEIM, California — There’s somet hing about laying in a hospital bed, wondering if you’re going to live or die, that affects a man’s outlook on life. Well, sort of.

“The illness [diverticulitis] changed my life in general,” said Brock Lesnar, UFC heavyweight champ. “I laid in a hospital bed for two weeks without [consuming] any food. I lost 42 pounds. The doctor did not want my stomach to do any work so they fed me through two IVs, which were in both arms. I felt like I was on my deathbed. [Now] I feel like a cat with nine lives. I’ve got about eight left.”

Lesnar is scheduled to defend his title July 3 against Shane Carwin at UFC 116 in Las Vegas.

While Lesnar said the illness changed his perspective on life, he still showed some of that old Brock Lesnar.

“I am still an ornery SOB, and I have always been,” said Lesnar, who brought Randy Couture into his camp to help him prepare for Carwin. “It’s been a year since I stepped foot in the Octagon. There is not a lot to talk about. I have no animosity against Shane. He is an opponent in front of me. He’s an obstacle, an obstacle I have to overcome. Life presents different challenges, and the great champs rise to occasion. That’s me.”

Carwin, the interim champ, said he’s up for that challenge.

“I have a never-quit attitude,” said Carwin. “I have a lot of heart and determination, I like to get in there and bang, I love to fight and I am passionate about it. I am not looking to eek out any decisions. That is my mentality and attitude. It’s a great time for me to face Brock. I am happy that he came back.”