Career Timeline of Cain Velasquez: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

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, best known for his career in the UFC's heavyweight division. He achieved significant success, becoming a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. His wrestling background and aggressive fighting style made him a formidable competitor during his time in mixed martial arts.

Sections (5)

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

2005: Velasquez Places 5th in the Country

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

October 7, 2006: Velasquez Makes 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.

2006: Velasquez Places 4th in the Country and Graduates from ASU

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

February 20, 2010: Velasquez Defeats 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: Velasquez Loses Title to 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 had injuries leading up to the fight.

May 26, 2012: Velasquez Defeats Silva at UFC 146

On May 26, 2012, at UFC 146, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Silva via first-round TKO, setting him up for a title challenge.

September 22, 2012: Rematch Date Set for UFC 152

On September 22, 2012, a rematch with dos Santos was expected to take place at UFC 152. However, the date for the rematch was later set for UFC 155.

May 25, 2013: Velasquez Defeats Silva in Rematch at UFC 160

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

October 19, 2013: Velasquez Defeats Dos Santos at UFC 166

On October 19, 2013, Cain Velasquez fought Junior dos Santos at UFC 166 in Houston, Texas, winning by TKO in the fifth round and successfully defending his title.

April 29, 2014: Velasquez and Werdum Selected as TUF: Latin America Coaches

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

October 21, 2014: Velasquez Withdraws From UFC 180

On October 21, 2014, Cain Velasquez withdrew from his scheduled bout at UFC 180 due to a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his right knee.

November 15, 2014: Scheduled Bout at UFC 180

On November 15, 2014, Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum were expected to face each other at UFC 180.

June 13, 2015: Velasquez Loses Title to Werdum at UFC 188

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

February 6, 2016: Rematch with Werdum Cancelled

On February 6, 2016, the expected rematch between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum at UFC Fight Night 82 was cancelled after both fighters withdrew due to injuries.

July 9, 2016: Velasquez Defeats Browne at UFC 200

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

December 30, 2016: Velasquez Deemed Unfit to Fight at UFC 207

On December 30, 2016, the Nevada State Athletic Commission deemed Cain Velasquez unfit to compete at UFC 207 due to bone spurs on his back.

July 19, 2018: Velasquez Trains at WWE Performance Center

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

February 17, 2019: Velasquez Loses to Ngannou at UFC on ESPN 1

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: Velasquez Signs 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: Velasquez Withdraws 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: Velasquez Announces MMA Retirement

On October 11, 2019, Cain Velasquez officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.

2019: Velasquez Retires from MMA and Enters Pro Wrestling

In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts and began his professional wrestling career. He started with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and later joined WWE.

January 2020: WWE Royal Rumble Plans Scrapped Due to Injury

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

April 2020: WWE Releases Velasquez

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

October 9, 2021: Velasquez Returns to AAA

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

December 3, 2022: Velasquez Returns to AAA at Mullett Arena

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 Arizona State University.