Cain Velasquez: The Unstoppable Force of UFC's Heavyweight Division

The Rise of a Mexican-American Champion

Cain Velasquez, born in California and raised in Arizona, proudly represented his Mexican-American heritage throughout his mixed martial arts career. Growing up just 30 minutes from the Mexican border, Velasquez was deeply connected to his roots:

"At a very young age, that's where we did our family time. We went across the border, we had food, we swam, we hung out as a family out there. We visited other family and I think that to me it just really stuck - this is where my roots are from."

Velasquez embraced both his Mexican and American identities, seeing beauty in the melting pot of cultures. This bicultural upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic that would define his fighting style.

Developing a Relentless Fighting Style

Velasquez's approach in the Octagon was characterized by a punishing pace and grinding style that few could match. He credits this to witnessing his parents' tireless work ethic in agriculture:

"I just saw how strong, how hard my parents worked. It was just a grind for them and it was like, this is just what has to be done. So I'm going to do the best that I can at it, I'm going to give it my all."

This mentality carried over into his wrestling career at Arizona State University, where Velasquez was often undersized as a heavyweight. He compensated by pushing a pace his larger opponents couldn't maintain:

"I had to put the pace on people. I had to be quicker than the other guys. So I just learned to develop like I have this long to work, I don't care what happens in this, I'm not worried about the next match or what happens to me afterwards. I'm going to give you everything I have between this amount of time and if I die in that moment then that's okay."

Velasquez brought this same intensity to his MMA training at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). He would push himself to the limit in every practice session, constantly testing his physical and mental boundaries.

Dominating the UFC Heavyweight Division

Velasquez's relentless style translated into overwhelming success in the UFC. He captured the heavyweight title in just his 9th professional fight, defeating Brock Lesnar via TKO.

His trilogy with Junior dos Santos stands out as one of the greatest rivalries in heavyweight history. In their final meeting, Velasquez put on a striking clinic, landing a record number of strikes for a heavyweight title fight over the course of 25 grueling minutes.

When healthy, Velasquez was virtually unstoppable. His combination of wrestling, cardio, and striking made him a nightmare matchup for any heavyweight. He could grind opponents against the cage, take them down at will, or knock them out standing.

Training at American Kickboxing Academy

A key factor in Velasquez's success was his training environment at AKA. The gym produced multiple UFC champions during Velasquez's era, including Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Velasquez credits head coach Javier Mendez for much of his development:

"I think it all started with Javier Mendez. Just the way he coached, the way that he could share knowledge. He always told me, 'Look, if you went to another gym you'll still be a world champion, it doesn't matter where you go, but the process here with me, it'll be quicker.'"

The competitive training atmosphere at AKA pushed Velasquez to constantly improve. Sparring and wrestling with elite teammates like Daniel Cormier helped prepare him for the toughest fights of his career.

Balancing Intensity and Family Life

Despite his ferocious fighting style, those close to Velasquez describe him as one of the kindest and most sincere people they know. He learned to compartmentalize the intensity required for fighting and the gentleness needed at home:

"I knew that I had to be different people at different times. When I was called to go train and fight, I had to be that person. But that person isn't the one to be at home. I need a different person at home."

Velasquez credits plant medicine for helping him find balance and deepen his connection with his family:

"What really taught me the most was plant medicine to really open this up big time. Without judgment of others, especially at home - that's where I really understood my family, that's when I really understood my son and my daughter."

Life After Fighting

Following his UFC career, Velasquez transitioned to professional wrestling. This allowed him to stay involved in a physical, competitive endeavor while also embracing the entertainment aspect:

"It was a total 180 degree difference. When fighting, we're taught not to show any emotion. Wrestling is the total opposite - you want to see all the moves, you want to see the sell when you get hit."

Velasquez particularly enjoyed being able to share this new passion with his children, something he never felt comfortable doing with MMA:

"It was much more fun. You could bring your kids to it, and that for me was great. I never took any of my kids to watch me fight. So this was like, okay, now I can bring you in. This is much more light-hearted."

Reflections on a Legendary Career

Looking back on his journey, Velasquez has no regrets or advice he would give his younger self:

"I wouldn't say anything to him. You're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. You're going to figure it out, whatever that is. You're going to keep figuring out."

This attitude of constant growth and self-discovery defined Velasquez's approach both in and out of the cage. His legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history is secure, but his impact extends far beyond his accomplishments in the Octagon.

Cain Velasquez set a new standard for what was possible in heavyweight MMA. His combination of wrestling, cardio, and striking pressure revolutionized the division. More importantly, he showed that it's possible to be both a fierce competitor and a kind, loving family man. As the sport continues to evolve, Velasquez's influence will be felt for years to come.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXGScEMlFZE