Cain Velasquez: Heavyweight on the Rise

Cain Velasquez likely to face winner of Lesnar vs Carwin for the UFC Heavyweight title this fall

There is no questioning the size of the average heavyweight has increased over the years. With guys like Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar, the heavyweight division is finally pushing the limits of the 265 pound division. Former champions like Randy Couture, Mark Coleman, and Kevin Randleman have fled the heavyweight division for light-heavyweight because the size advantage of the new flock of ‘superheavyweights’ is just too big of a difference.

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However, don’t expect Cain Velasquez at 243 pounds to retreat to a lighter weight class anytime soon. While he only has 8 fights in his professional career, he has made quite an impression on the heavyweight division since he joined the Ultimate Fighting Championships in 2008. He has steam rolled through every opponent he has faced as of yet into an undefeated 8-0 record. 

A man of humble beginnings, Velasquez is known for his excellent work ethic backed by an Arizona State University wrestling background and some great speed for a heavyweight. Fighting out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, with guys like Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch has brought Cain’s skills to another level. Every time he fights he seems like a better version of himself. 

His first big test was against Cheick Kongo at UFC 99 in Germany last summer. Velasquez was heavily hyped coming into the bout and showed why throughout the fight. At the beginning of each round, Kongo was able to rock Cain with stiff punches straight to the chin, but each time Velasquez regrouped, took Kongo down, and imposed his will on him. After the fight Cain received some criticism however, with a lot of people wondering if he had the power to finish any top heavyweights as Kongo made it to decision despite being battered by punches throughout the fight. 

In his next fight he took on Ben Rothwell at UFC 104 in October of 2009. Giving up over 30 pounds was no problem for Velasquez, as he took him down early and battered him until a second round referee stoppage. Again Cain stunned fans and his opponent with his relentless pace, but yet again his lack of power came into question. While he was able to finish Rothwell, he never seemed to have him rocked or hurt at any point in time. Nonetheless the win moved him much closer to a title shot and earned him a bout with MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event of UFC 110. 

For Cain, the Nogueira fight not only proved he was ready for a title shot, but silenced his critics all together. There was much speculation that Cain would not have the power to knock out Nogueira, who has shown off his stern chin throughout his fight career. Many experts also speculated that Velasquez would not be able to threaten the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace on the ground. However, nobody got to see how things would play out on the ground because Cain knocked Rodrigo out early in the first round. His punches came much faster and harder then the former UFC and Pride champion’s. A lot of questions about Cain’s power were answered. 

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After UFC 110 the UFC stated that Velasquez would be next in line for a title shot after Shane Carwin gets his at UFC 116 this summer. While it remains to be seen if Cain has the power to seriously threaten large 265-pounders like Carwin or Lesnar, Cain has been silencing critics his entire run in the UFC. One thing is for sure, Velasquez will have the speed advantage on both Lesnar and Carwin. 

While lighter heavyweights are being pushed put the door of the UFC heavyweight title picture, Velasquez is setting the bar for what undersized heavyweights can do. Unlike Randy Couture who was defeated by Lesnar late in 2008, Cain is a natural heavyweight who has enough size to threaten the new breed of gigantic heavyweights.

By Ryan Silva
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer