Issue 068
October 2010
Bursting onto the scene in 2006, two-time All-American Division One wrestler Cain Velasquez combines his impeccable wrestling credentials with a ferocity and athleticism that overwhelms anyone who stands in his way.
Since debuting in the UFC just two and a half years ago, Velasquez has shot to the top of the list of contenders and will challenge heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar for the title at UFC 121 in the autumn.
A former wrestler at Arizona State University, Velasquez racked up a long list of honors and achievements during his time competing in ‘the world’s oldest martial art’. Named 2005 ‘Wrestler of the Year’ in the prestigious Pac-10 Conference (a league comprised of ten Pacific Coast universities), Velasquez was a fearsome grappler on the mat, often racking up unbeaten streaks well into the double digits.
His wrestling prowess has served him well in the Octagon; he takes opponents down almost at will and mercilessly batters them with a work rate seldom seen in men his size. His 2009 win over Cheick Kongo saw him throw over 300 punches during the three-round contest, a number as yet unmatched by any other heavyweight. This intensity is Velasquez’s defining trait.
Velasquez’s skills have been honed by the team of trainers at the respected American Kickboxing Academy, men such as ‘Crazy’ Bob Cook, striking coach Javier Mendez plus MMA and jiu-jitsu trainer Dave Camarillo. By no means ‘just’ a wrestler, Velasquez demonstrated his versatility when he became the first person to knock out former Pride and UFC interim heavyweight champion, Antonio Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira. Velasquez’s speed, power and wrestling ability mark him as a very real threat to Lesnar’s title. The up-and-comer will get his shot at the belt on October 23 2010 in Anaheim, California.
Focus
It is rare (but not unknown) to see Cain crack a smile, such is the Mexican-American’s level of focus and determination. Away from the cage he is a happily married family man and claims: “It takes a lot to get me riled up.” But once he steps into the Octagon he becomes a single-minded stone-cold assailant. Trainers often talk of this fighters’ mindset as something impossible to coach: you’ve either got it or you haven’t. In Velasquez’s case, he’s got it in spades.
Pride
One of Velasquez’s most striking features is the tattoo that stretches across his chest. An affirmation of his Mexican heritage, the ink’s a reminder of, and a tribute to, the work of his father Efren, a man Velasquez describes as his hero. Velasquez’s work ethic stems from his immigrant father, who made seven attempts to enter the USA and was deported every time. Velasquez Sr almost died on the crossings and still suffers poor health as a result of the back-breaking work he took to provide for his family. The lesson Efren passed on to his son? “’You have to work hard for something to get it,’” says Cain.
Gas tank
Though hardly a svelte heavyweight, Velasquez is a 240lb cardio machine with a work rate that’s stunned his training partners. Former NFL player Herschel Walker (a legendary running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants) has said Velasquez has the best cardio of any athlete he’s ever been around. Velasquez’s training partners have to take ‘Cain breaks’, such is the intensity of sparring with the relentless heavyweight. Velasquez claims the menial labor he performed as a youngster has taught him to mentally fight his way through tiredness.
Career snapshot
- 2006: Unleashed upon the unpronounceable and unheralded Jesse Fujarczyk. Smashes him in just over 90 seconds. Follows it with a second win two months later
- 2008: His UFC debut. Fights twice in four months, handing out two first-round drubbings
- 2009: Wins his first ‘Knockout of the Night’ award. Steps up in competition to face Kongo, passes test with flying colors
- 2010: Becomes first man to knock Minotauro unconscious. Earns shot at the heavyweight title
