Cain Velasquez’s career in mixed martial arts (MMA) was nothing short of remarkable. Widely celebrated as one of the finest heavyweights in UFC history, Velasquez clinched the heavyweight title twice and showcased his dominance by defeating a multitude of formidable challengers. With a record of 14 wins and 3 losses, his tenure was marred by a series of injuries that ultimately forced him into retirement in late 2019. This has led fans and analysts alike to speculate on how much more he could have achieved had his career not been hindered by health issues.
When discussing how a prime Velasquez would fare against contemporaries such as Jon Jones, it becomes evident that while both fighters are incredibly skilled, their styles would create an intense competition. On a recent podcast, Velasquez shared his thoughts on a hypothetical fight with Jones—who holds an impressive 27-1 MMA record. He acknowledged the challenges Jones would present, dubbing him “the boogeyman” of the sport. Velasquez expressed that while he would not have dominated Jones, he believed he possessed tools that could counter Jones’s formidable fight IQ and striking prowess. He articulated confidence in being able to push the fight into areas where he could excel, indicating a deep understanding of both his and Jones’s capabilities.
Equally interesting is Velasquez’s view on the current interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. With a professional record of 15-3, Aspinall’s trajectory within the UFC has been promising, despite experiencing setbacks such as a 15-second TKO loss to Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall recently avenged that defeat by decisively defeating Blaydes in a dominant first-round TKO performance at UFC 304. Velasquez’s confidence in his ability to grapple effectively against Aspinall reveals much about his own skill set. He believes that once he gets a strong grip on his opponent, he can take them down, regardless of their striking liabilities.
As the heavyweight division evolves with new talents like Aspinall emerging, Velasquez’s reflections shed light upon the dynamics of grappling versus striking in the modern fight landscape. He acknowledges the rising dangers posed by fighters who adeptly blend striking with wrestling, such as Aspinall, and indicates that grappling will continue to play a crucial role in absorbing the power of prolific strikers. Additionally, Velasquez’s insights emerge at a pertinent time as Jones prepares to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic in November. This matchup could further illuminate the style contrasts that Velasquez articulated, reinforcing whether grappling or striking dominantly influences today’s heavyweight contests.
Cain Velasquez’s career might be behind him, but his analysis of potential matchups demonstrates an enduring legacy that continues to engage fight enthusiasts. As the heavyweight division moves forward, the lessons learned from fighters like Velasquez will undoubtedly shape the strategies of both challengers and champions. Ultimately, while we can only speculate about what might have been, the conversations around Velasquez’s prime remind us of the rich history and competitive spirit that defines the heavyweight division.