“You’d Walk Right Into My Takedowns” – Cain Velasquez on the UFC Heavyweight Division

After stepping into the octagon with legends like Brock Lesnar and Francis Ngannou, Cain Velasquez is confident that he could have defeated today’s UFC heavyweights. He has explained exactly how he would have approached these matchups if he were still competing in his prime.

Velasquez is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights ever to compete in the UFC. Nicknamed “Cardio Cain” for his unparalleled conditioning, he retired from MMA in 2019 after a loss to the current heavyweight force, Francis Ngannou. During his 11-year career with the UFC, Velasquez reached the pinnacle of the division, becoming heavyweight champion in 2010 by defeating Brock Lesnar. His combination of stamina, wrestling, and striking made him a formidable opponent during his era.

Cain Velasquez on How He Would Beat Jon Jones

While many believe Velasquez competed during the golden age of the heavyweight division, the division has evolved significantly since then. One of the most notable changes is Jon Jones’ transition from light heavyweight to heavyweight, where he now reigns as the champion. “Bones” is considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, thanks to his versatile fighting style and ability to dominate a wide range of opponents.

Despite this, Velasquez is confident that he would have posed a serious challenge to Jones if they had fought while he was at his peak. His breakdown of a potential fight is thoughtful, emphasizing his own strengths and how they would have aligned against Jones.

“Jon Jones vs Prime Cain, okay, that would’ve been a tough match, of course, it would’ve been tough. You know what, with that guy, he’s a boogeyman, but I think I would’ve been the best matchup, because I believe I would’ve had something for him. I could’ve gone to where he wanted to go.”

Velasquez refers here to his wrestling and cardio, key components of many of his victories. His ability to push the pace and maintain a high level of intensity throughout a fight would have been a crucial advantage in a matchup with Jon Jones. While Jones is known for his adaptability, he has never faced a heavyweight with the physical endurance and relentless pressure that Velasquez brought to his fights.

Velasquez on How He Would Handle Tom Aspinall

Velasquez’s name is always mentioned in discussions about the greatest heavyweights of all time, but today’s heavyweights, such as Tom Aspinall, represent a new generation. Aspinall, who recently became the interim heavyweight champion, has impressed with his fast footwork, dangerous hands, and explosive wrestling. The British fighter is viewed as one of the future stars of the division.

However, according to Velasquez, even Aspinall’s modern skill set would not have been an obstacle for him. His analysis is clear and confident, particularly when it comes to wrestling, which he sees as a key factor in this hypothetical matchup.

“Aspinall too, especially with the wrestling. I just know that when I grab someone’s leg, I’m taking them down. He’s very dangerous with his hands, a lot of power. What he does is he lunges forward and punches, he takes a big step and lunges, closes the distance really well. But with that, when someone wrestles, it’s like, okay, you’re going to walk right into my takedowns.”

Velasquez’s confidence in his wrestling ability has been well earned. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a level of grappling that few could match, especially in the heavyweight division. Aspinall’s aggressive style, while effective against many, would likely play into Velasquez’s game plan, allowing him to execute quick takedowns and control the fight on the ground, where he excelled.

Legacy and the Future

Cain Velasquez has left an undeniable legacy in MMA, and although he is no longer active in the octagon, his insights and thoughts on today’s heavyweight contenders remain sharp and relevant. With his unique blend of cardio, wrestling, and relentless pressure, he would undoubtedly have been a tough challenge for both Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall in today’s division. While fans will never get to witness these dream matchups, the discussion about how Velasquez would have fared against the modern heavyweights continues to spark debate.

Sources: MMAnytt.se

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