Cain Velasquez captures UFC heavyweight title from Brock Lesnar
Cain Velasquez is the new Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight titleholder. Velasquez captured the title after a quick dismantling of former champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 in
Anaheim, California.
This may have been the most heavily promoted fight in the history of the UFC and even though it only lasted a little over four minutes, but few likely walked away feeling like they had
been cheated.
Once the fighters had entered the cage the size difference was striking. Lesnar, listed as two inches taller and twenty pounds heavier than Velasquez seemed much bigger than the challenger.
In addition to the size difference, Lesnar’s focus seemed intense. For his part, Velasquez looked relaxed, like it was just another day at work.
When referee Herb Dean signaled the start of the fight, Lesnar rushed across the Octagon to engage Velasquez. The champion attempted a takedown that was easily blocked by Velasquez. When
Lesnar saw no further takedown oppurtunities, he quickly threw some knees and strikes. Lesnar was then able to gain the takedown, but Velasquez quickly regained his feet. Lesnar then leaned his mass into the lighter Velasquez who was trapped against the cage,
looking to tire him out by forcing him to support his weight.
At the 2:50 mark, Velasquez put Lesnar to the ground with a deep single leg takedown and from that point on he dominated the fight. Lesnar regained his feet and went reeling across the
cage when a takedown attempt failed. Velasquez attacked the flailing Lesnar with brutal strikes as Lesnar attempted to cover up to no avail. Velasquez stayed calm and whenever there was an opening he laid heavy strikes on the bloody and cowering Lesnar. Referee
Dean saw enough and waved the fight off, as the new champion stood with his hands over his head.
Velasquez stood in the center of the Octagon and received his title belt from UFC president Dana White without a mark on him. Lesnar could not make it to the center of the cage due to
a huge gash on his cheek that required a great deal of attention from his cut man.
Lesnar was classy in defeat, stating: “He’s a great fighter. I knew I had a great challenge in front of me, congratulations Cain.”
Lesnar is expected to take a break after the loss to hunt and spend time with his family.
Velasquez will almost certainly face Junior dos Santos in his first heavyweight title defense.
Lesnar’s mixed martial arts record falls to 5-2 while Velasquez moves to 9-0.
After the conclusion of the fight, Velasquez was awarded a $70,000 bonus for “Knockout of the Night.”
Tags: