C. Velasquez (photo) performing in wrestling. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @officialcainvelasquez
The former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg.), Cain Velazquez, took many people by surprise when he announced his retirement from MMA at the age of 37. Recently hired by WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world, the athlete is now breathing new air. In support of the North American's new challenge, Dana White, president of Ultimate, praised his former employee and wished him luck on his new journey. The statement was made at a press conference after the ufc boston.
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“I'm very happy for him. I'm happy for his family. I hope he does as well as Ronda (Rousey) did and makes a lot of money. I hope the fans there (WWE) love him”, declared the boss.
Dana, who is known for sometimes having disagreements with some athletes, mainly related to financial conditions, spoke of Cain with affection. According to the agent, there are no complaints about Velasquez's career in the sport that could tarnish the fighter's image in MMA.
“Cain has had some tough injuries that have happened. The guy has been a professional athlete for a long time. A college athlete. He's an extremely nice guy. When you realize you're coming to the end of your career and you think about what you're going to do next, it's always very difficult for these guys to figure out what they're going to do. 'Where do I fit in? What do I do?'” Dana said.
White was also impressed when he reported that he watched the former champion perform in his wrestling debut. The president realized that the athlete did well in his presentation and believes in a prosperous future within the new sport.
“I always wondered where Cain would do his wrestling. He has had problems with his body in MMA and then I watched him in wrestling and I saw that it was incredible. That’s great,” he declared.
In Velasquez's 15 UFC appearances, Dana had the privilege of putting the belt on Cain on four occasions. One, when it hit Brock Lesnar and became Ultimate champion for the first time, in 2010; the second, when he regained the title in a rematch against junior gypsy, in 2012 and two others in their defense of the number one position, against Antonio Pezão (2013) and, again, in a match against Cigano (2013).
Velasquez retires from the sport with 17 fights, 14 wins and three losses on his professional record.
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