C. Velasquez confirms retirement from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Cain Velazquez
The former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), Cain Velazquez, officially retired from the world of mixed martial arts at the age of 37. The athlete signed a contract with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), the largest North American wrestling franchise. Now, the athlete will participate in the sport exclusively and will no longer be seen playing for Ultimate. The information was released by ESPN reporter Marc Raimondi this Friday afternoon (11).
See too
Recently, Velasquez surprised sports enthusiasts by making a surprise appearance at a Brock Lesnar, also a former Ultimate Champion, in WWE. At the time, when he was celebrating a victory, Brock was surprised by the presence of his compatriot there. The two even exchanged some blows, but the act was soon ended after Lesnar retreated.
In the new company, Cain already has a date to debut. The athlete will perform against Brock himself on October 31st, in Saudi Arabia. In addition to Velasquez, the event will also feature the participation of the famous boxer and former challenger for the world title in the sport (WBC), Tyson Fury.
Cain leaves mixed martial arts being considered one of the best heavyweights in the company's history. The American's UFC debut took place in 2008. At the time, Velasquez had only had two fights as a professional athlete. From his debut to the title, won over his own Brock Lesnar, the athlete needed seven fights.
In his first title defense, the fighter ended up losing to the Brazilian junior gypsy, in a fight that took place in 2011. Velasquez, however, managed to get revenge on the Santa Catarina native and regain his number one position in a rematch that took place in 2012. The North American lost the belt again in 2015, to Fabricio Werdum.
After the new setback, the athlete had to live with subsequent injuries, which prevented him from playing more frequently. From 2016 to 2019 Cain only held two engagements, winning one and losing another.
In his last performance, Velasquez ended up succumbing to the strength and talent of the giant Francis Ngannou. On that occasion, the fighter was knocked out just 26 seconds into the fight, ending his career in mixed martial arts.
With just over 10 years in MMA, Cain had 17 fights, recording 14 wins and three losses.
sources: Cain Velazquez retires from UFC, joins WWE https://t.co/VGn2xzflNn
- Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) October 11, 2019
Comments