The iconic fighter’s career faced a significant setback just before his planned comeback in 2016.
UFC 207, hosted at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is remembered as a landmark MMA event for multiple reasons. Amanda Nunes halted Ronda Rousey’s comeback in the main event, marking a pivotal moment in UFC history. Meanwhile, Cody Garbrandt stunned fans by convincingly defeating Dominick Cruz in the co-main event. However, the event saw only 10 fights take place due to several last-minute cancellations, including some due to broadcast issues.
Many MMA enthusiasts believe Cain Velasquez had the potential to be the greatest heavyweight ever if not for injuries that shortened his career. Known for his dominance, Velasquez was set for a rematch against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 207, after having defeated Travis Browne at UFC 200 and previously winning the heavyweight title from Werdum in 2015. Unfortunately, the Nevada State Athletic Commission blocked this fight after Velasquez revealed in an ESPN interview that pain in his right leg was so severe he struggled to stand for more than ten minutes. He was also scheduled for back surgery just five days after the event. Despite frustration, Velasquez praised the commission’s professionalism and stated on Facebook that his transparency about his condition was genuine and that long-term health was his priority.
UFC president Dana White, however, expressed skepticism about Velasquez’s honesty, suggesting that his comments about not being able to stand for ten minutes indicated he might not have wanted to fight at all. White emphasized the responsibility to protect fighters and argued the decision to block the fight was appropriate under the circumstances. Velasquez did not return to the octagon until 2019, when he was swiftly defeated by Francis Ngannou.
Fan Take: This incident is a critical reminder of the delicate balance between fighter health and the high stakes of professional MMA. It underscores the importance of transparency and caution in the sport, which ultimately protects fighters and preserves the integrity of competition for fans and athletes alike.
