Time to appreciate the awe-inspiring power and fighting prowess of Cain Velasquez, a true legend in the world of mixed martial arts!
Born on July 28th, 1982, in Salinas, California, Velasquez has left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional wrestling skills, devastating striking, and remarkable finishes.
Standing at 6’1” tall and competing in the heavyweight division, Velasquez showcased his talents as a master of various martial arts disciplines, including collegiate wrestling and boxing.
Throughout his MMA career, which spanned from 2006 to 2019, Velasquez amassed an impressive record of 14 wins and just 3 losses. The majority of his victories came by way of knockout or technical knockout, demonstrating his dominance and ferocity inside the cage.
Regrettably, Cain Velasquez’s life outside the octagon had taken a troubling turn. The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion recently pleaded not guilty to felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges, all stemming from a deeply distressing case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 4 year-old family member.
In March, Velasquez reportedly engaged in a harrowing high-speed chase, relentlessly pursuing a pickup truck carrying the man accused of the heinous act through three Silicon Valley cities.
The situation escalated when he purportedly rammed the truck with his vehicle and fired multiple shots, causing injuries to the accused man’s stepfather. Velasquez was subsequently released on $1 million bail, but not without being ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device. The gravity of the charges he faces raises serious concerns about his involvement in such a violent altercation.
Many fighters from the UFC have shown support for Cain Velasquez given his circumstance.
Known by his nickname “Cardio Cain,” Velasquez possessed a relentless fighting style and a technical brilliance that made him a formidable force in the heavyweight division. Beyond his MMA accomplishments, Velasquez also achieved notable success in collegiate wrestling, earning accolades at Arizona State University.
Often considered one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, Cain Velasquez is a legendary fighter who has left an everlasting impact on the sport with his explosive finishes and dominant performances.
Each fight represents a testament to his unmatched skill and fighting spirit.
Let’s explore Velasquez’s exceptional skills and thrilling finishes that have solidified his impression on the combat landscape as one of the most dominant heavyweights in the history of the sport in Cain Velasquez’s Top 5 MMA Finishes!
5. Vs. Brock Lesnar – UFC 121 (Oct. 23, 2010)
Entering this highly anticipated heavyweight title fight, Velasquez faced the formidable Brock Lesnar, a dominant force in the division.
From the opening bell, Velasquez showcased his superior footwork and striking, evading Lesnar’s aggressive advances with precision and agility.
At 4:12 of the first round, Velasquez landed a powerful right hook that wobbled Lesnar, sending him reeling. Smelling blood, Velasquez swarmed his dazed opponent, unleashing a barrage of punches.
Refusing to give Lesnar any respite, Velasquez continued his onslaught, backing him against the cage. With a relentless barrage of strikes, Velasquez overwhelmed Lesnar, leaving the referee with no choice but to intervene and stop the fight.
It was a defining moment in Velasquez’s career as he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion, solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
4. Vs. Denis Stojnić – UFC Fight Night 17 (Feb. 7, 2009)
In a clash of heavyweights, Cain Velasquez faced off against the hard-hitting Bosnian, Denis Stojnić.
From the start, Velasquez wasted no time asserting his dominance. He showcased his superior wrestling skills, taking Stojnić down in the second round.
Once on the ground, Velasquez relentlessly applied ground-and-pound pressure, using his heavy hands to punish his opponent. Stojnić struggled to defend against the barrage of strikes, but Velasquez showed no mercy.
In round 1, at 2:34 on the clock, Velasquez unleashed a devastating flurry of punches that left Stojnić defenceless. The referee quickly stepped in, stopping the fight and awarding Velasquez a spectacular TKO victory.
It was a dominant performance that displayed Velasquez’s incredible strength, grappling prowess, and killer instinct. This win solidified his position as a rising star in the heavyweight division and left a lasting impression on MMA fans worldwide.
3. Vs. Antonio Silva II – UFC 160 (May 25, 2013)
In a rematch against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, Velasquez wasted no time asserting his dominance, attempting an ankle pick at 15 seconds in! Cain seemed to have a lot of confidence in his wrestling in this fight.
From the opening bell, Velasquez utilised his superior footwork and striking to keep Silva at bay. The fight wasn’t a long one. At 1:21 of the first round, Velasquez landed a powerful combination that rocked Silva.
Seizing the opportunity, Velasquez followed up with a barrage of strikes, leaving Silva dazed and defenceless. The referee intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Velasquez with the devastating TKO victory.
It was a dominant performance that showcased Velasquez’s precision striking and killer instinct inside the cage.
2. Vs. Travis Browne – UFC 200 (July 9, 2016)
On his return to the octagon after a long layoff, Velasquez faced the dangerous Travis Browne.
From the opening round, Velasquez displayed his superior wrestling and ground control, taking Browne down at will and keeping him pinned against the cage.
In the first round at 2:25 on the clock, Velasquez executed a spectacular spinning wheel kick that caught Browne by surprise. The kick connected slightly but was blocked, and then, a combination of punches finishing with a strong overhand helped send Browne crashing to the canvas.
Cain’s ground and pound excels in most fights and he regained a lot of control against the cage whilst throwing punches in the ground and pound. A nightmare for Travis Brown.
After some time, the fight came back to the feet and almost the same thing happened; another spinning kick which this time missed, leading to Cain Velasquez putting a combo string into a clinch with knees. Then another takedown ensued, with full control from above him.
Velasquez followed up with ground-and-pound strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight. It was a breathtaking finish that spotlighted Velasquez’s diverse skill set and unpredictability as a fighter.
He checked his opponent still and spoke to him in what seemed to be a kind, respectful talk. Showing evidence of Cain’s character.
1. Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira – UFC 110 (Feb. 21, 2010)
In a clash between two legendary heavyweights, Velasquez faced Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira also known as “Big Nog”.
From the opening round, kicks and punches thrown by Cain flowed remarkably smoothly, giving Nogueira a lot to think about.
At 2:44 Cain throws a devastating left hook that stuns his opponent. A left, a right hook on the chin, and a huge left hook destroys his opponent. Another lesson in the MMA game, finishing the fight in style.
With accuracy, Velasquez landed a series of brutal punches that left Nogueira unconscious. The referee stepped in, stopping the fight and awarding Velasquez his stunning knockout victory.
It was a highlight-reel finish that spotlighted Velasquez’s ferocity and finishing ability, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant heavyweights in MMA history.
These five finishes represent only a small cross section from Cain Velasquez’s remarkable career. His exceptional skills, relentless aggression, and unyielding spirit have left an enduring legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
Cain Velasquez’s contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of fighters, and his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of MMA history.
