Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez frustrates fans and imposes a single condition for returning to MMA fighting.

Velasquez at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/CainVelasquez

After going through a real drama in his personal life, Cain Velazquez He reappeared publicly at Netflix's first MMA event, held in May in California (USA). As several veterans headlined the grand and highly publicized show, many fans and sports professionals began to speculate about a possible return of the former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) to action. However, the end of his retirement is not on the legend's mind.

During an appearance on the 'Weighing In' podcast, Velasquez frustrated his fans by imposing a single condition for returning to competition in the sport that made him famous. It's worth remembering that the American is 43 years old and fought his last fight in 2019. Therefore, the legendary former fighter, always discreet, makes it clear that he is determined to stay away from MMA, even ruling out working as a coach at the 'American Kickboxing Academy'.

“Money needs to motivate me, because I don’t want to do this. I’ve said this before. I have other interests now. Money really needs to make me want to fight, but I don’t think anyone is willing to pay that. Of course, I can always fight again, but to what extent that will happen is another story,” said the former UFC champion.

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“We can always do that. But to what extent are you going to take it? I'm no longer interested. I get so involved with what I'm doing that it no longer satisfies me,” he concluded.

Tragic episode

In 2022, Cain Velazquez He was charged with attempted murder, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm after a high-speed chase and shooting at a car carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing his son at a daycare, but ended up hitting a member of Goularte's family, causing non-fatal injuries. At trial, the former UFC champion pleaded guilty, did not contest the charges, and received a five-year sentence.

It's true that Cain could have appealed for parole in March, but it ended up being granted earlier. It's worth noting that the former UFC champion had already served a long prison sentence (eight months) before being released on bail and placed under house arrest, monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet.

After returning to prison in March 2025, Velasquez, ten months later, said goodbye to the institution. In fact, the end of his incarceration was only possible because the former boxer had already served part of his sentence (1.283 days), due to his good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.

Cain Velazquez at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/CainVelasquez

Velasquez's fighters in MMA

Cain VelazquezThe 43-year-old made his mark in MMA as the UFC heavyweight champion. So much so that the American is still remembered today for his period of dominance in the category and is considered by many to be the best fighter in its history. The professional began his career in the sport in 2006 and fought his last fight in 2019.

In this sport, Velasquez built a record of 14 wins, 12 by knockout, and three losses. His main victories were against... Antonio Pezão (twice), Brock Lesnar, junior gypsy (twice), Rodrigo Minotauro and Travis Browne.