For many fans and pundits alike, Cain Velasquez is one of MMA’s biggest “what if” stories. The former UFC heavyweight champion in his prime was arguably an unstoppable talent. But in the end, his body was perhaps his biggest rival.
February 2019 marked the last time we saw the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) staple in action. Velasquez entered the Octagon for the first time since 2003. He faced Francis Ngannou, the future champion. The native of Salinas in California suffered the same fate as most when he stood across from “The Predator” and it was a fast knockout loss that took place in under a minute. In Velasquez’s case, less than 30 seconds.
Velasquez, 39, announced his retirement from the sport in October of that same year. But as we’ve come to know all too well in MMA, never say never when it comes to the R-word.
“He’s got it if he wants it,” Velasquez’s longtime coach at AKA, Javier Mendez told MMA Junkie. “He’s got it. However, I’m not sure if he would like to return. I don’t speak with him about those things. It’s possible. If someone says, ‘Hey, here’s $2 million, let’s go fight,’ he might say, ‘Eh, give me $4 [million] and I’ll do it.'”
The immediate aftermath of the Ngannou loss led many to believe that Velasquez suffered another injury mid-fight. As he fell awkwardly after landing the last knockout blows, his knee seemed to be buckled. No surgeries or severe injuries came from the loss, however, and Velasquez wound up committing to a career in professional wrestling.
Well, that only lasted so long as Velasquez signed with the WWE only to be released shortly after his scripted rematch with Brock Lesnar. Regardless of how things ended for Velasquez during this brief stint, it did show that he’s still capable of performing as an athlete to a certain degree.
“He has more [in the tank] that Daniel [Cormier], Mendez stated. “He’s not the same. Cain is not the same as when he was younger, but he does have more left than Daniel. He is younger — he’s not in his 40s. Remember, Daniel was 42 and he had a back surgery, and after the surgery, ‘DC’ wasn’t the same. The years caught up to him. All the wear and tear and everything came to an end with him. He was a champion in his head. His mind, like his body .”
was stronger than Daniel’s.
The UFC’s heavyweight division has never been more compelling from a business standpoint. While Ngannou, the champion, is asking for his value and airing his grievances, Jon Jones, the all-time great of UFC heavyweight, hovers behind him, seeking proper compensation.
Surely, UFC President Dana White would be open to having Velasquez back in the mix, but would he be willing to pay up? That is up to you. Otherwise, the former champ may need to work a way out of his contract if he does end up trying to make one more run.
” I don’t know but it seems that money speaks most of the times,” Mendez stated. “If the money is good and the UFC lets him, it’s possible that he may do it.
“But look, he’d have to fight in the UFC because even if you retire, you’re with the UFC. You must get permission from the UFC before you do anything. He is doing pro wrestling, but that’s different. You can’t box, you can’t fight. If he wants to fight, the UFC needs to give him permission.”
TOP STORIES
Happy. Fellow pioneers reflect on the career of Roxanne Modafferi before her final MMA fight at UFC 271.
Warning. Jorge Masvidal continues to let Colby Covington know exactly what he plans on doing to him at UFC 272.
Recovery. Chris Weidman hopes to return to MMA before his birthday in June.
Apology. Julianna Pena apologizes for her conspiratorial comments on the Joe Rogan Experience but still stands by the UFC commentator and comedian.
Change. Robert Whittaker thinks that he is a better fighter than his opponent in the fight against Israel Adesanya.
VIDEO STEW
UFC 271 Embedded.
Rashad on Rogan.
All-access.
Bisping breaks down the problem.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Turtles.
“I like turtles!” – pic.twitter.com/4dLc8xYSb5
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) February 9, 2022
Two years.
Two years ago today, Jon Jones defeated Dominick Reyes by unanimous decision after a five-round battle at UFC 247.
Since then, Jones vacated the UFC light heavyweight title, announced a move to heavyweight, but has not yet competed in the new weight class. pic.twitter.com/vBAsmti1KU
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) February 8, 2022
Winning.
I won today pic.twitter.com/J0yaoitmiU
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) February 9, 2022
Bomb,
One. Hitter. Quitter
(via TomSander1/IG) pic.twitter.com/xRpqDkEd4r
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) February 8, 2022
Thiccc Khabib.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tabatha Ricci (6-1) vs. Polyana Viana (12-4); UFC Fight Night, May 21
Dan Ige (15-5) vs. Movsar Evloev (15-0); UFC 275, June 4
Kyle Daukaus (10-2) vs. Jamie Pickett (13-6); UFC Vegas 48, Feb. 19
Jared Gordon (18-4) vs. Rafael Alves (20-10); UFC Fight Night, Apr. 30
Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos (23-7) vs. Mounir Lazzez (10-2); UFC Fight Night, Apr. 16
Douglas Lima (32-10) vs. Jason Jackson (15-4); Bellator London, May 13
Luke Trainer (5-0) vs. Simon Biyong (7-2); Bellator London, May 13
Alfie Davis (14-4) vs. Tim Wilde (14-4); Bellator London, May 13
Kate Jackson (11-5-1) vs. Elina Kallionidou (8-4); Bellator London, May 13
Rin Nakai (22-2-1) vs. Shoko Fujita (2-1); Deep Jewels 36, Mar. 12
Shizuka Sugiyama (20-6-1) vs. Mikiko Shimizu (3-1); Deep Jewels 36, Mar. 12
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally, Bellator stacks a London card. Thank you for reading.
