Ever since Alistair Overeem, the UFC’s No.1 contender in the heavyweight division, failed a surprise pre-fight drug test, the MMA world has been wondering who will step in to face heavyweight champ Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146.
It is worth noting that Overeem has not yet been pulled from the fight and has a hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 24th, but things are certainly not looking good for the Dutch kickboxing specialist.
If Overeem is indeed withdrawn from the bout, many have pointed to Frank Mir as the most logical replacement.
One might think that this news would be ill-received by Cain Velasquez, who is a former champion and is supposed to fight Mir at UFC 146, but according to MMAfighting.com, the former heavyweight champion has no qualms with Mir stepping in.
“I definitely think that’s fair,” Velasquez said. “He’s off a three-fight winning streak, and dos Santos beat me fair and square. I’m definitely mad about mine, but I know with one more fight, I’ll be in the same position. If that did come up, then yeah, I’d be fine with that.”
There’s no doubting that Velasquez wants another shot at the title, but it appears he’s willing to wait in line and earn his second opportunity.
Although Velasquez has been preparing for a No.1 contender’s match with Mir, he is prepared to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of him, as long as the stakes remain the same.
“As far as we know right now, it’s Frank, so that’s what I’m getting ready for,” he said. “But if it turned out to be different, it didn’t matter who it’d be, as long as it’s one more to get in that same position, to fight for the heavyweight title.”
Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com and stand up comedian. Check him out on Twitter. @AndrewBarr8.
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