Career Timeline of Cain Velasquez: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Cain Velasquez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cain Velasquez is an American former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, primarily known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He achieved prominence as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, establishing himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. His wrestling background and relentless fighting style made him a popular and respected figure in the MMA world.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2001: Attends Iowa Central Community College

In 2001, Cain Velasquez attended Iowa Central Community College, where he began wrestling.

2005: Placed 5th in the Country

In 2005, Cain Velasquez placed 5th in the country in wrestling while at Arizona State University.

October 7, 2006: MMA Debut

On October 7, 2006, Cain Velasquez made his MMA debut against Jesse Fujarczyk at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello, winning by TKO in the first round.

2006: Placed 4th in the Country

In 2006, Cain Velasquez placed 4th in the country in wrestling and graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

February 20, 2010: Defeats Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 110

On February 20, 2010, at UFC 110, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira via first-round KO, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

November 12, 2011: UFC Heavyweight Title Loss to Junior dos Santos

On November 12, 2011, Cain Velasquez lost his UFC Heavyweight title to Junior dos Santos via KO in the first round at UFC on Fox 1, after having reinjured his rotator cuff approximately a week before the fight.

November 19, 2011: Original Date for Dos Santos Fight

November 19, 2011 was the originally targeted date for Cain Velasquez's first title defense against Junior dos Santos at UFC 139, before the fight was moved to November 12.

May 26, 2012: Defeats Antônio Silva at UFC 146

On May 26, 2012, at UFC 146, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Silva via first-round TKO, after Frank Mir was moved to fight Junior dos Santos.

September 22, 2012: Original Date for Dos Santos Rematch

September 22, 2012, was the original date planned for the rematch between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos at UFC 152, but it was later set for UFC 155.

May 25, 2013: Title Defense Against Antônio Silva

On May 25, 2013, Cain Velasquez defended his title against Antônio Silva in a rematch at UFC 160, winning via TKO in the first round.

October 19, 2013: TKO Victory Against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 166

On October 19, 2013, Cain Velasquez won by TKO against Junior Dos Santos at 3:09 of the fifth round at UFC 166 in Houston, Texas, successfully defending his title.

April 29, 2014: Chosen as Coach for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America

On April 29, 2014, Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum were selected as coaches for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America, with plans to fight each other at UFC 180.

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October 21, 2014: Pulled out of Werdum Fight

On October 21, 2014, Cain Velasquez pulled out of his fight with Fabrício Werdum due to a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his right knee.

November 15, 2014: Original Date for Werdum Fight

November 15, 2014, was the original date planned for Cain Velasquez to fight Fabrício Werdum at UFC 180.

June 13, 2015: Loss to Fabrício Werdum at UFC 188

On June 13, 2015, at UFC 188, Cain Velasquez lost to Fabrício Werdum via guillotine choke submission in the third round.

February 6, 2016: Werdum Rematch Canceled

On February 6, 2016, the rematch between Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum at UFC Fight Night 82 was canceled due to injuries to both fighters.

July 9, 2016: TKO Victory Against Travis Browne at UFC 200

On July 9, 2016, Cain Velasquez defeated Travis Browne via TKO in the closing seconds of the first round at UFC 200.

December 30, 2016: Failed Medical Approval for Werdum Rematch

On December 30, 2016, the Nevada State Athletic Commission did not approve Cain Velasquez to fight Fabrício Werdum at UFC 207 due to bone spurs on his back.

July 19, 2018: Training at WWE Performance Center

On July 19, 2018, it was reported that Cain Velasquez trained at the WWE Performance Center under Norman Smiley and attended Diamond Dallas Page's yoga session.

February 17, 2019: Knockout Loss Against Francis Ngannou

On February 17, 2019, Cain Velasquez lost to Francis Ngannou via knockout in less than thirty seconds of the first round at UFC on ESPN 1.

March 2019: Signed with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide

In March 2019, Cain Velasquez signed a multi-match agreement with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, marking his entry into professional wrestling.

October 4, 2019: WWE Debut on SmackDown

On October 4, 2019, Cain Velasquez made his WWE debut on SmackDown, attacking Brock Lesnar to avenge Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik.

October 4, 2019: Withdrawal From USADA Testing Pool

On October 4, 2019, after his first WWE appearance, Cain Velasquez withdrew from the USADA testing pool to focus on his professional wrestling career.

October 11, 2019: Retirement from MMA Announced

On October 11, 2019, Cain Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA.

2019: Retirement from MMA and Professional Wrestling Debut

In 2019, Cain Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts and began his professional wrestling career, working for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide before joining WWE.

January 2020: Royal Rumble Plans Scrapped Due to Injury

In January 2020, WWE's plans to use Cain Velasquez at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event were scrapped due to an injury.

April 2020: WWE Release

In April 2020, Cain Velasquez was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 28, 2020: Released From WWE Contract

On April 28, 2020, Cain Velasquez was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 9, 2021: Return to AAA Announced

On October 9, 2021, it was announced that Cain Velasquez would be returning to AAA in December.

December 3, 2022: Return to AAA at Arizona State University

On December 3, 2022, Cain Velasquez made his return to AAA, teaming with Pagano and Blue Demon Jr. to defeat La Empresa at an event held at Arizona State University.