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. He is best known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was a dominant force in the heavyweight division. Velasquez achieved the status of a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, showcasing his skills in striking and wrestling. His impressive record and championship reigns solidified his position as one of the most significant figures in UFC heavyweight history.

Sections (5)

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

October 7, 2006: MMA Debut

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

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

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

November 12, 2011: Loses Title to Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 1

On November 12, 2011, Cain Velasquez lost his title to Junior dos Santos via KO in the first round at UFC on Fox 1. It was later revealed that both fighters were injured going into the fight.

May 26, 2012: Defeats Antônio Silva at UFC 146

On May 26, 2012, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Silva via first-round TKO at UFC 146.

September 22, 2012: Rematch with Dos Santos

On September 22, 2012, the rematch of Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos was expected to take place at UFC 152. The date was later set for UFC 155.

May 25, 2013: First title defense against Silva

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

July 2013: Cardio Cain

As of July 2013, Cain Velasquez was ranked Number 1 for the most strikes landed per minute in the UFC, earning him the nickname "Cardio Cain".

October 19, 2013: Wins against Junior Dos Santos

On October 19, 2013, Cain Velasquez competed in a rubber match with Junior dos Santos at UFC 166 in Houston, Texas. Velasquez won by TKO at 3:09 of the fifth round, successfully defending his title.

April 29, 2014: The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America coaches

On April 29, 2014, Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum were selected as coaches for the inaugural installment of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America.

November 15, 2014: Expected Fight Date at UFC 180

On November 15, 2014, Cain Velasquez was expected to face Fabrício Werdum at UFC 180, but he pulled out of the bout due to injury.

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

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

February 6, 2016: Rematch with Werdum Backed Out

On February 6, 2016, the expected rematch between Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum at UFC Fight Night 82 was cancelled after both fighters backed out citing injuries.

July 9, 2016: Defeats Travis Browne at UFC 200

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

July 19, 2018: Trained at WWE Performance Center

On July 19, 2018, it was reported that Cain Velasquez trained in the WWE Performance Center under head coach Norman Smiley and later attended Diamond Dallas Page's yoga session. He had attended an NXT event the previous night.

February 17, 2019: Loss to Francis Ngannou

On February 17, 2019, Cain Velasquez headlined UFC's inaugural event on ESPN, UFC on ESPN 1 against Francis Ngannou and lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

March 2019: Signed with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide

In March 2019, Cain Velasquez signed a multi-match agreement with Mexican professional wrestling promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide as a heavyweight competitor.

October 4, 2019: WWE Debut on SmackDown

On October 4, 2019, Cain Velasquez made his WWE debut on SmackDown, confronting and attacking Brock Lesnar after his WWE Championship victory.

October 4, 2019: Withdrawal From USADA Testing Pool

On October 4, 2019, it was revealed that Cain Velasquez would be withdrawing from the USADA testing pool to focus on his professional wrestling career after his first appearance for WWE.

October 11, 2019: Retirement from MMA

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

2019: Retirement from MMA and wrestling debut

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

January 2020: Royal Rumble Idea Scrapped

In January 2020, WWE had planned to use Cain Velasquez at their Royal Rumble pay-per-view event, but he suffered an injury and the idea was scrapped.

April 2020: Release from WWE Contract

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

On December 3, 2022, Cain Velasquez made his return to AAA, teaming with Pagano and Blue Demon Jr. to defeat La Empresa (Sam Adonis and Gringo Loco) and Taurus at an event held at the Mullett Arena on the campus of his alma mater Arizona State University.