In the annals of UFC history, Cain Velasquez stands as a colossal figure, a fighter whose potential was marred by a series of unfortunate injuries. Despite achieving two separate reigns as the UFC heavyweight champion, Velasquez’s career is riddled with the haunting echo of what could have been.
Daniel Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer and close friend of Velasquez, emphatically asserts that when Velasquez was at his peak, he was virtually unstoppable. Cormier reminisces, “Nobody wanted those Cain Velasquez problems.” The sentiment echoes through the corridors of the MMA world, with Cormier challenging anyone, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, to dispute Velasquez’s prowess witnessed in the gym during moments of peak health.
Velasquez’s career was characterized by sporadic appearances, as injuries forced him to the sidelines for extended periods. Cormier reflects on the undeniable talent and accolades Velasquez accumulated despite missing five to six prime years due to injuries. “He was the best. I’m telling you right now, he’s one of those guys that everyone calls the best—this dude was the best. He was better than me, for sure.”
Daniel Cormier Declares Cain Velasquez as the Ultimate Fighter: ‘Ask Khabib’
Even with the setbacks, Velasquez boasts an impressive 12-3 UFC record, including four wins in title fights. His dominance in the heavyweight division left an indelible mark, prompting Cormier, upon arriving in the UFC, to opt for a different weight class to avoid a potential clash with the formidable Velasquez.
While Velasquez never attained the dual-title feat achieved by Cormier, who secured both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles, he briefly flirted with the idea of challenging another champion. A memorable faceoff with Jon Jones at a UFC press conference hinted at the tantalizing prospect of a clash between two titans.
As Cormier pays tribute to Velasquez’s unmatched skill and laments the injury-induced hiatus that eclipsed his prime, the MMA community is left with the resounding proclamation: Cain Velasquez, as vouched for by Daniel Cormier, remains one of the greatest fighters to have graced the octagon. To unravel the mystique of Velasquez’s supremacy, one need only “Ask Khabib.”