Ali Akbar Rosady
The recent appearance of former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the highly anticipated Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano exhibition event ignited a flurry of speculation regarding a potential return to mixed martial arts competition. Velasquez, who last competed professionally over six years ago, has now addressed these burgeoning rumors, unequivocally stating that any comeback would be contingent upon an exceptionally lucrative financial offer, rather than a desire for specific opponents or a spotlight fight.
Velasquez, widely acknowledged as one of the most dominant and gifted heavyweights in UFC history, saw significant portions of his career impacted by a series of debilitating injuries. Born in Salinas, California, in July 1982, Velasquez, now 41, cultivated a reputation for an relentless pace, elite wrestling, and unparalleled cardio for a fighter in his division. His aggressive, pressure-heavy style earned him two separate reigns as UFC Heavyweight Champion. His initial ascent culminated in a stunning first-round technical knockout victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 in October 2010, securing his first undisputed title. He successfully defended the belt against Junior dos Santos in a dominant unanimous decision at UFC 155 in December 2012, avenging an earlier knockout loss. Subsequent defenses included two more victories over Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva and another decisive win against Junior dos Santos, cementing his status at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
However, the relentless nature of his fighting style and training regimen took a severe toll. Velasquez battled numerous injuries, including issues with his knees, shoulders, and particularly his back, which led to extended periods of inactivity and multiple surgeries. These physical setbacks undeniably curtailed a career that many believed could have reached even greater heights of longevity and dominance. His professional MMA record stands at 14 wins and 3 losses. His final fight took place in February 2019, where he suffered a swift 26-second knockout loss to the then-rising contender Francis Ngannou. Following this defeat, and at the age of 36, Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA, transitioning his focus to professional wrestling.
His foray into professional wrestling saw him debut with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in August 2019, showcasing an unexpected athleticism for a heavyweight fighter. This led to a brief but high-profile stint with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) later that year, where he notably faced his former UFC opponent Brock Lesnar at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. His tenure with WWE was short-lived, concluding in April 2020. This period demonstrated Velasquez’s willingness to explore alternative avenues for his athletic endeavors, hinting at a desire for new challenges beyond the demanding grind of MMA.
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More recently, Velasquez’s name garnered significant public attention due to legal challenges. In March 2022, he was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder and multiple assault charges following an incident in San Jose, California. The charges stemmed from a car chase where Velasquez allegedly pursued a vehicle containing Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son, and fired a handgun into the vehicle. The incident sparked widespread debate and an outpouring of support for Velasquez from the combat sports community and beyond. High-profile figures, including UFC CEO Dana White, publicly advocated for his release and sent letters of support to the courts. After spending approximately eight months in custody, Velasquez was granted bail in November 2022. In March 2023, he entered a no-contest plea to felony assault and other related charges, ultimately receiving a sentence of two years of probation and time served, allowing him to return home to his family. This period of intense personal adversity and the subsequent legal resolution has significantly shaped his current perspective on his career and future.
Now free from the constraints of legal proceedings and back in his community, Velasquez openly discussed the possibility of a comeback during an appearance on Josh Thomson’s podcast. His remarks, however, firmly positioned any return as a purely financial decision. "No wish list as a person [I would want to fight] but if the money’s right then the money’s right but it has to be really good," Velasquez stated, emphasizing the extraordinary sum required to entice him back into competitive fighting. "It has to be really damn good for me to do that."
Velasquez underscored that his motivation would not stem from a desire to face a particular high-profile opponent or to secure a marquee spot on a major fight card. His focus, he clarified, would be exclusively on the financial compensation necessary to justify the immense physical and mental commitment required for a professional fight camp at his age and after such a long layoff. "The money has to make me want to do it," he reiterated. "Because I’ve said this before, I don’t want to do it. I have other interests now. But the money really has to make me want to do it and I don’t think anybody’s willing to pay that."
This stance highlights the evolving landscape of fighter compensation in MMA, particularly for returning legends. For a two-time former UFC Heavyweight Champion with a storied career but also a history of injuries and a substantial period of inactivity, the financial proposition would need to be considerable. Industry estimates for such a high-profile return could potentially involve multi-million dollar purses, a figure typically reserved for active champions or mega-fights between established superstars. While promotions like the UFC, Bellator, PFL, or even burgeoning bare-knuckle boxing organizations might covet the name recognition and drawing power of Velasquez, meeting his financial demands for a fighter of his current status and age presents a significant economic challenge. It implies a demand far exceeding standard veteran fighter pay, akin to the sums commanded by crossover attractions or active, top-tier main event fighters.
Since his release on bail, Velasquez has dedicated a considerable amount of time to coaching and mentoring the next generation of fighters at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California. AKA has been his home gym throughout his illustrious career and is renowned for producing multiple UFC champions, including Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. His presence at the gym, imparting wisdom and technique to younger athletes, naturally fueled speculation about a more permanent role in coaching. However, Velasquez indicated that while he appreciates aspects of coaching, it is not his primary long-term ambition.
"For me, I get so into what I’m doing that it doesn’t do it for me anymore," Velasquez commented on his coaching endeavors. "There’s a part to it I really do love, to see the growth and the good times and even just the learning experience, the hard times through somebody else’s eyes. Watching their life lessons through this sport happen. But I’ve had now other interests are calling me." While he did not specify these "other interests," his comments suggest a pursuit of ventures outside the immediate confines of professional fighting or coaching. These could potentially include business opportunities, continued involvement in professional wrestling on a more selective basis, or a deeper focus on family life after his recent legal ordeal.
The physical demands of returning to competitive fighting, particularly in the heavyweight division, for a 41-year-old athlete with a history of severe injuries, cannot be overstated. A full training camp would necessitate rigorous physical conditioning, weight management, and meticulous injury prevention strategies. The "ring rust" factor, after more than six years away from the professional arena, would also be a significant consideration for any potential opponent or promoter. While Velasquez’s talent and fighting IQ remain undisputed, the practicalities of preparing for and competing at an elite level after such a hiatus present formidable hurdles.
Ultimately, Velasquez’s comments underscore a pragmatic approach to his future. While the interest in his potential return remains palpable within the combat sports community, his emphasis on an extraordinary financial incentive suggests a high bar that most promotions may be unwilling or unable to meet. For now, the two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion appears content exploring new pathways, with a return to the Octagon remaining a distinct, albeit highly conditional, possibility.
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