Cain Velasquez
Overview
***Former UFC Heavyweight Champion***
Cain Velasquez is a well-rounded fighter, with an excellent ground game and ever-improving stand-up skills; a rare skill-set in the heavyweight division. The two-time Division 1 All American (at Arizona State) is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of the UFC.
The American-born/Mexican-descent Velasquez is considered one of the hardest working and most driven fighters in the UFC, and despite a setback loss to Junior Dos Santos that cost him his recently won UFC Heavyweight Title, Velasquez is still considered by many the best fighter in the division.
Velasquez trains with the American Kickboxing Team, alongside UFC veterans John Fitch, Josh Koschek, Mike Swick, and Phil Baroni.
- Date of Birth – July 28, 1982 (Age 29) in Salinas, California (USA)
- Weight Division – Heavyweight: 6’ 1” tall; fights at 249 lbs
- Nickname –
Interesting Facts
Velasquez is married with one daughter.
Velasquez earned a degree in Education from Arizona State University.
Velasquez was the captain of his High School (Kofa High School in Yuma, Arizona) Football and Wrestling teams.
Strengths
One of the best wrestlers in the UFC (proven by his beat-down of fellow All-American wrestler Brock Lesnar), Velasquez utilizes a ground and pound style that has been extremely effective so far in his career. Velasquez is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, although he has yet to display his submission skills in the Octagon.
Weaknesses
After his fight with Dos Santos, questions remain about Velasquez stand-up skills, and as with any KO victory the inevitable questions about his chin have been raised. A lot of experts are also concerned by his stand-up defense; an area where Velasquez seems to have lapses and drops his hand.
Despite his ground skills, BJJ accolades, and wrestling background, Velasquez’s proficiency in submissions has yet to be seen.
Fight History
- Overall record – 9 wins – 1 loss
- How he wins: 8 (T)KO’s; 1 Decision
- Losses: 1 by (T)KO
|
Result |
Record |
Opponent |
Method |
Event |
Date |
Round |
Time |
||
|
Loss |
9-1 |
Junior dos Santos | KO (punches) | UFC on Fox 1 | 02011-11-12 November 12, 2011 |
1 |
1:04 |
||
|
Win |
9–0 |
Brock Lesnar | TKO (punches) | UFC 121 | 02010-10-23 October 23, 2010 |
1 |
4:12 |
||
|
Win |
8–0 |
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira | KO (punches) | UFC 110 | 02010-02-21 February 21, 2010 |
1 |
2:20 |
||
|
Win |
7–0 |
Ben Rothwell | TKO (punches) | UFC 104 | 02009-10-24 October 24, 2009 |
2 |
0:58 |
||
|
Win |
6–0 |
Cheick Kongo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 99 | 02009-06-13 June 13, 2009 |
3 |
5:00 |
||
|
Win |
5–0 |
Denis Stojnić | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night 17 | 02009-02-07 February 7, 2009 |
2 |
2:34 |
||
|
Win |
4–0 |
Jake O’Brien | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night 14 | 02008-07-19 July 19, 2008 |
1 |
2:02 |
||
|
Win |
3–0 |
Brad Morris | TKO (punches) | UFC 83 | 02008-04-19 April 19, 2008 |
1 |
2:10 |
||
|
Win |
2–0 |
Jeremiah Constant | TKO (punches) | Bodog Fight – Clash of the Nations | 02006-12-16 December 16, 2006 |
1 |
4:00 |
||
|
Win |
1–0 |
Jesse Fujarczyk | TKO (punches) | Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello | 02006-10-07 October 7, 2006 |
1 |
1:58 |
Key Wins and Losses
- 1st Round KO victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 to Claim the Heavyweight Title
Experts Opinions and Insights
Steve R: “Ran into a buzzsaw in Junior Dos Santos to lose the title, but has the most upside of any current UFC heavyweight.
Mike: One of the best wrestlers in the world, but he needs to learn to keep his hands up!
Ron: Still a lot of questions about Cain as an all-around fighter. If he doesn’t develop further his opponents can use the dos Santos game plan to beat him.
Cain Velasquez T-Shirts
..
