Return of Cain Velasquez

It’s been more than a year since the last time the fans had a chance to see Cain Velasquez in the octagon. The wait is over for the UFC heavyweight champion as he returns tonight at UFC 188 on pay-per-view to take on interim champion Fabricio Werdum live from Mexico City, Mexico.

With all the moving pieces in the heavyweight division, the landscape has changed since his 2013 fight versus Junior Dos Santos. Werdum has gone on a win streak since rejoining the UFC and it culminated in November of 2014 when he defeated Mark Hunt and was named the interim champion.

That fight took place at UFC 180 in Mexico City. Hunt came on as a late replacement when Velasquez suffered an injury training and was unable to compete. Werdum did his part and stopped Hunt in the second round with a barrage of knees and punches.

The months passed and Velasquez is finally healthy again and wanted to eliminate any dispute about who the best heavyweight in the world is.

“He’s got punches and kicks and spinning back fists. He’s good standing and on the ground, he’s a complete fighter,” said Velasquez.

Werdum has improved his game over the last year or so. Going from being considered just a grappler to now having added new weapons to his arsenal under the direction of Rafael Cordeiro. With the changes, Velaquez is well aware of what to expect from this fight.

“Once I was able to come back and train again, I got better. That’s what I just focus on and I feel it. There’s always room for improvement,” said Velasquez.

The fight takes place in Mexico City which is known for its high altitude. Well aware of this, Velasquez shifted his training from San Jose to Mexico City weeks before the fight to get better acclimated.

“You feel it every practice a little bit and then it just goes away. You get used to it after a few days,” said Velasquez.

His team of AKA has had its share of success while the champion was away. From Daniel Cormier’s crowning of light heavyweight champion to Luke Rockhold climbing to the top of the middleweight division. Cormier who serves as a coach and training partner to Velasquez had to prepare for his last fight without the assistance of the heavyweight. For Velasquez this was a new role, he would find ways to motivate his team with his words.

“Even though I couldn’t help people physically, I tried to find ways to coach people and give them advice. Most of the times when we’re in camp we see each other more than we see anyone else. We have that bond between us,” said Velasquez.

The landscape of the heavyweight division has changed. Contenders and new faces have risen to the top. Names such as Andrei Arlovski and Stipe Miocic are in the mix.

“It’s coming back as far as the division being tough. There’s always going to be someone to fight and the division is always going to be dangerous,” said Velasquez.

One of the highlights of the promotional tour for Velasquez was the opportunity to interact with a childhood hero of his in Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. The legendary Mexican boxer is a fan of Velasquez and told him that when they met.

“I’ve never been star struck until I met him. Just one of my heroes growing up. Just great to meet him and he told me that he would try to make it to the fight. I thought that was cool because I didn’t even tell him about the fight,” said Velasquez.

He smiles as he recalls the encounter because Chavez was a fighter who inspired many through his fights. Now Velasquez has the opportunity to inspire many fans in Mexico and all over the world.

“To be able to fight in Mexico and give the fans a show is very inspiring. I will do everything I can to give them a victory,” says Velasquez.