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Cain Velasquez

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Cain Velasquez
BornCain Ramirez Velasquez
(1982-07-28) July 28, 1982 (age 42)
Salinas, California, United States
NationalityUnited States American
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Weight244 lb (111 kg; 17.4 st)[2]
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach77.0 in (196 cm) [3]
StyleWrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out ofSan Jose, California
TeamAmerican Kickboxing Academy
TrainerHead Trainer: Javier Mendez
Strategy Coach: Bob Cook
Jiu-Jitsu Coach: Dave Camarillo
Boxing Coach: Huitsi Mata
RankNCAA Division I Wrestler
  brown belt in Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2006–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total9
Wins9
By knockout8
By decision1
Losses0
Other information
UniversityArizona State University
Iowa Central Community College
Children1
Notable school(s)Kofa High School
Websitehttp://cainmma.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: October 14, 2010

Cain Ramirez Velasquez[4] (born July 28, 1982) is a Mexican American[5] mixed martial artist and the current UFC Heavyweight Champion.[6] He is a two-time All-American collegiate wrestler from Arizona State and a Junior College National Champ at Iowa Central Community College.[7] He is a two-time 5A state champion in Arizona, compiling a record of 110-10 for Kofa High School located in Yuma, Arizona under Shawn Rustad and Marty Niblo.[8]

As of October 27, 2010, he is ranked as the #1 heavyweight in the world by Sherdog[9] and MMAfighting.com.[10] Cain also has never lost a round in mixed martial arts competition.[11] Velasquez, who trains at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, CA, won the No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt championships roughly a year after starting submission grappling.[12] He currently holds a brown belt under Dave Camarillo. On October 23, 2010, Velasquez defeated Brock Lesnar via TKO in the first round at UFC 121 to become the new UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Early life

Velasquez was born on July 28, 1982 in Salinas, California to Efrain and Isabel Velasquez. Cain's father, Efrain, came to the United States illegally. Efrain met his wife Isabel, married Isabel and gained citizenship to the U.S.,[13] the couple had three children, Adela Garcia, Efrain Jr. Velasquez and Cain Velasquez.[4]

Cain graduated from Kofa High School, where he compiled a record of 110-10 in four years of wrestling, including winning the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Cain also played football for three years. As a senior, he served as Captain of both his wrestling and football teams.[4]

After Kofa, Cain attended Iowa Central Community College, where he earned an Associates degree. He also wrestled for one season and won the NJCAA National Championship.

After Iowa Central Community College, Cain graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education.[4] He wrestled there for three seasons and compiled a record of 86-17, placing 5th in the country in 2005, and 4th in 2006. While at ASU, Cain also wrestled alongside future UFC fighters Ryan Bader and C.B. Dollaway.[14]

Mixed martial arts career

Cain began his mixed martial arts career right after college, joining American Kickboxing Academy, Velasquez is a brown belt in Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu and a NCAA Division I Wrestler. He has notable wins over Cheick Kongo, Ben Rothwell, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Brock Lesnar.

Early career

Cain began his MMA career right after college, joining American Kickboxing Academy and made his debut on October 7, 2006 against Jesse Fujarczyk at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello, he won by TKO in the first round. Velasquez then faced Jeremiah Constant at BodogFight: St. Petersburg, he won via TKO in the first round at the 4 minute mark.[15]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Velasquez made his UFC debut against Brad Morris at UFC 83 and won due to strikes in the first round.[16] In his next fight, Velasquez defeated Jake O'Brien at UFC Fight Night 14 by TKO in round one.[17] Velasquez then faced Denis Stojnić at UFC Fight Night 17 and the fight was stopped in round two with Velasquez earning the victory by TKO.[18] Velasquez's next fight was in UFC 99 against former kickboxer and established UFC heavyweight Cheick Kongo. Velasquez was once again dominant, landing 251 strikes and winning the bout by unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards).[19]

Velasquez's next opponent was scheduled to be Shane Carwin[20] for the number one contendership of the UFC Heavyweight Championship held by Brock Lesnar. Velasquez was instead told he would be fighting Ben Rothwell at UFC 104. Velasquez was 7–0 after defeating Ben Rothwell at UFC 104 with a TKO at 0:58 of round 2.[21]

Velasquez faced former Pride Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on February 20, 2010 at UFC 110. Dana White had promised the winner a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Title after Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin's fight.[22] Going into the fight, some commentators predicted that Nogueira would take the victory due to a supposed lack of striking power for Velasquez.[23] They were proven wrong when Velasquez defeated Nogueira via knockout (punches) at 2:20 of round one.

Winning the Heavyweight Championship

Dana White announced via SportsNation that the UFC would be bringing back UFC Primetime to promote Lesnar vs. Velasquez.[24] Velasquez defeated Brock Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight Championship via TKO in the first round at UFC 121 on October 23, 2010. The bout opened with a bullrush by Lesnar, who charged at Velasquez with a series of knees but was unable to secure a takedown on his first attempt. Lesnar's second takedown placed Velasquez on his back, but he was able to stand up before sustaining any damage. Lesnar then pressed Velasquez against the fence and took him down again. However Velasquez was on his feet within seconds. He then broke Lesnar's hold and after a brief exchange, shot a single on Lesnar and dropped him on all fours, where Velasquez was able to do significant damage to Lesnar. Lesnar stood up and backed away toward the fence and shortly thereafter, Velasquez clipped Lesnar on the chin with a left hook and sent him spinning across the Octagon. Velasquez then peppered Lesnar with shots, a powerful knee to the midsection, and another punch which dropped him. The rest of the fight played out in a very one-sided fashion, until referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 4:12 of the first round, crowning Velasquez the new UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world.[25]

It was announced at the end of 2010, that Velasquez had suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder and was expected to be sidelined for at least 6-8 months. The injury is expected to undergo a surgical repair and extensive therapy before a return to action is possible.[26]

Personal life

Velasquez speaks English and Spanish fluently and has been a guest star on the Spanish-language TV networks Telemundo and Univision.[27]

Velasquez and his girlfriend welcomed a daughter on May 6, 2009.[28] The couple got engaged in Australia after UFC 110.[29]

Championships and accomplishments

Collegiate wrestling

  • Two-time All-American Div 1 NCAA Wrestler[30]
  • 2002 NJCAA Collegiate Wrestling Heavyweight Championship while in Iowa Central Community College[14]
  • Placed 5th place in the 2005 NCAA Division I Collegiate Championship at Heavyweight while in Arizona State University[14]
  • Placed 4th place in the 2006 NCAA Division I Collegiate Championship at Heavyweight while in Arizona State University[14]
  • 2005 Pac-10 Conference Wrestler of the Year[4]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Awards

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
9 matches 9 wins 0 losses
By knockout 8 0
By submission 0 0
By decision 1 0
Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Brazil Junior Dos Santos Mexico City, Mexico
Win 9–0 United States Brock Lesnar TKO (punches) UFC 121 October 23, 2010 1 4:12 Anaheim, United States Won UFC Heavyweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 8–0 Brazil Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira KO (punches) UFC 110 February 21, 2010 1 2:20 Sydney, Australia Knockout of the Night
Win 7–0 United States Ben Rothwell TKO (punches) UFC 104 October 24, 2009 2 0:58 Los Angeles, United States
Win 6–0 France Cheick Kongo Decision (unanimous) UFC 99 June 13, 2009 3 5:00 Cologne, Germany
Win 5–0 Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Stojnić TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens February 7, 2009 2 2:34 Tampa, United States Knockout of the Night
Win 4–0 United States Jake O'Brien TKO (punches) UFC: Silva vs Irvin July 19, 2008 1 2:02 Las Vegas, United States
Win 3–0 Australia Brad Morris TKO (punches) UFC 83 April 19, 2008 1 2:10 Montreal, Canada
Win 2–0 United States Jeremiah Constant KO (punches) Bodog Fight: St. Petersburg December 16, 2006 1 4:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 1–0 United States Jesse Fujarczyk TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello October 7, 2006 1 1:58 Fresno, United States

See also

References

  1. ^ "Cain Velasquez". UFC.com. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  2. ^ "Live Minute by Minute: UFC 104 Weigh-In". SHERDOG.com. 2009-10-23. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
  3. ^ "Cain Velasquez". FightMagazine.com. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Cain Velasquez Player Bio". THESUNDEVILS.CSTV.com. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
  5. ^ ""UFC 121: Lesnar vs. Velasquez" main card officially announced for Oct. 23". MMAJUNKIE.com. 2010-08-16. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  6. ^ Hatcher, Jason (2009-11-05). "Mexican American Prospect Cain Velasquez". Fighters. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  7. ^ "Cain Velasquez: Searching For Aztec Gold". FIGHTMAGAZINE.com. 2010-01. Retrieved 2010-07-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Cain Velasquez: "I'm going to build my way up to the top"". FIVEOUNCESOFPAIN.com. 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  9. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings: Heavyweight". SHERDOG.com. 2010-10-27. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  10. ^ "MMA Top 10 Heavyweights: Cain Velasquez Is the Champ". MMAFIGHTING.com. 2010-10-26. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  11. ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". SHERDOG.com. 2010-05-03. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  12. ^ "Velasquez has chance to show he's real deal". YAHOO! SPORTS. 2010-07-14. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  13. ^ "Cain Velasquez: Like Father, Like Son". LOWKICK.com. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  14. ^ a b c d "Cain Velasquez". WRESTLINGHALLOFFAME. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  15. ^ "Bodog Fight - Clash of the Nations".
  16. ^ "Could Cain Velasquez Be the Future of the Heavyweight Division?". CAGEPOTATO.com. 2008-04-21. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  17. ^ "Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O'Brien". SPIKE.com. 2008-07-19. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  18. ^ "UFC Fight Night 17: As expected Cain Velasquez beats Denis Stojnic". MMACRUNCH.com. 2009-02-08. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  19. ^ "Cheick Kongo got hit in the head 251 times by Cain Velasquez at UFC 99". URDIRT.com. 2009-06-16. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  20. ^ "Shane Carwin: "Brock Lesnar Is A Freaking Liar"". FIGHTLINE.com. 2009-07-01. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
  21. ^ "Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell: UFC 104 results". INENTERTAINMENT.co.uk. 2009-10-25. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  22. ^ "Nogueira vs. Velasquez now set for UFC 110". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2009-11-09. [dead link‍]
  23. ^ "UFC 110 main card recap: Velasquez stuns Nogueira in first, Silva returns to win column". MMAJUNKIE.com. 2010-02-21. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  24. ^ "Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez UFC Primtime". MMAFighting.com. 2010-08-26.
  25. ^ "UFC 121 Results & Live Play-by-Play". SHERDOG.com. 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  26. ^ "Trainer: UFC champ Velasquez out a minimum of 6-8 months with torn rotator cuff". mmajunkie.com. 2010-12-29.
  27. ^ "Cain Velasquez Brings a Little Bit of Bad-Ass to Latin Grammy Awards, Rothwell to Face Cro Cop in Australia?". CAGEPOTATO.com. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  28. ^ "Raising Cain: An MMAmania.com interview exclusive with Cain Velasquez". MMAMANIA.com. 2009-05-06. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
  29. ^ "Cain Velasquez: I've Been Ready for Brock Lesnar for a While". MMAFIGHTING.com. 2010-03-01. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
  30. ^ "Wrestling Sits Sixth Behind Three Top 7 Finishers". {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 2007-08-21 suggested (help); |archive-url= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  31. ^ "Fighter of the Year: Cain Velasquez". MMAFighting.com. December 22, 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2010.
  32. ^ "MMA Live: Fighter Of The Year". ESPN.Go.com. January 7, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  33. ^ "Sherdog's Fighter of the Year". Sherdog.com. January 9, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  34. ^ "MMAjunkie.com reader poll: Who is the 2010 Fighter of the Year?". MMAjunkie.com. January 8, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  35. ^ "1st Team All-Violence:Cain Velasquez". Sherdog.com. January 10, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |access date= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
Preceded by 15th UFC Heavyweight Champion
October 23, 2010 – present 		Current holder

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