Cain Velasquez will be taking the next corrective measure in order to repair an ailing back that forced him to bow out of his UFC 196 pay-per-view (PPV) main event opposite former foe and current heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum.
UFC President Dana White explained to listeners on “Opie with Jim Norton” (via MMA Junkie) that Velasquez will soon be sidelined for four weeks following back surgery.
“Cain has got problems with a disc in his back, and he’s actually going to have surgery,” White said. “The good part is it’s not going to be long. He’s going to have the surgery and will probably need four weeks to recover. So that’s good news.”
The prolific All-American wrestler was expected to challenge for the 265-pound strap he lost to “Vai Cavalo” back in June 2015 in Las Vegas on Feb. 6, 2016. With Velasquez hurt, Werdum decided to pull out as well, citing injuries to his back and foot as reasons he wouldn’t be able to make it to fight night inside MGM Grand.
A rising contender, former 205-pound champion, and scrappy lightweights alike all offered to save the UFC 196 card from disintegrating right before our very eyes, but alas that’s what eventually took place. UFC 196 has been renamed UFC Fight Night 82 and moved from PPV to FOX Sports 1.
A welterweight main event pitting former 170-pound champion Johny Hendricks against Karate ace Stephen Thompson will headline UFC Fight Night 82.
This change in-turn has caused a ripple effect on all future names of PPV events and “Fight Night” cards. There has been no inkling given as to the timetable for Werdum’s return.
Stipe Miocic, who stepped up on less than two weeks’ notice to face Werdum for the strap, is left a bit peeved and without an opponent.
For more UFC Fight Night 82 news and notes click here.