C. Velasquez (photo) performing in wrestling. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @officialcainvelasquez
Former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), Cain Velazquez is no longer part of the group of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) contracted athletes. The organization chose to release some athletes to balance the coffers during the period of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the decision included the former MMA star.
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According to Dave Meltzer, from 'Wrestling Observer Radio', the decision to remove Velasquez came from the idea of avoiding an economic crisis within the organization, since the athlete, being a big name in combat sports, would receive a considerable salary for perform.
Cain announced his retirement from MMA last year and then announced that he would follow in the footsteps of Ronda Rousey and perform in 'free wrestling'.
The North American made his debut in the sport in August last year and ended up surprising fans with a good performance at 'Triplemania XXVII', which took place in Mexico City (MEX). At the time, the fighter published a message of thanks to the spectators who attended his debut in a new phase of his career.
“As always, I would like to thank the Mexicans who gave me so much love and support on my debut in pro wrestling, as well as throughout my career. I will always give you the best of me” – said the message from the former champion, nicknamed “El Toro” in the new sport”, wrote Velasquez.
As always, I give a lot of thanks to all the Mexicans who gave me so much love and support on my debut @luchalibreaaa as in my entire career. I always give you the best of me. And a thousand thanks to everyone @luchalibreaaa and @psychocown1 y @CodyRhodes pic.twitter.com/C1CTl4cSTd
— Cain Velazquez (@cainmma) August 4
After having his first experience in 'wrestling', Velasquez would then officially debut for WWE in November. Thinking about a great spectacle, the company decided to promote a meeting between the athlete and the legend of the sport, Brock Lesnar. The two had already exchanged forces in MMA in 2010, when Cain ended up beating his rival and taking the Ultimate heavyweight belt.
In WWE, however, it was a different story. In the confrontation between the giants, Lesnar ended up getting the upper hand and defeating his former tormentor.
Cain needs no comments on his career in MMA. Considered by many to be the best heavyweight in UFC history, the American had 17 fights as a professional, winning 14 and being defeated on three occasions.
Frequent injuries, however, were essential factors in the fighter choosing to leave the sport at the age of 36. His last fight in mixed martial arts took place in February last year, when he was severely knocked out by Francis Ngannou.
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