Talk about bad timing.
Cain Velasquez has been forced out of his much-anticipated championship rematch against Heavyweight champion, Fabricio Werdum — which was set to go down on Feb. 6. 2016 at UFC 196 in Las Vegas, Nevada — due to a back injury.
As a result, Stipe Miocic will step in on two weeks notice to face “Vai Cavalo” for the coveted 265-pound strap in “Sin City.”
Dana White gave fight fans the unfortunate and heartbreaking news via Twitter.
Cain Velasquez is out with a back injury. Stipe vs Werdum for the heavyweight championship February 6th. pic.twitter.com/vPRJYJvOjL
— Dana White (@danawhite) January 24, 2016
Bummer.
Cain took to Facebook to post a message for all his supporters:
I’m sure you’ve heard the news that I won’t be able to fight at UFC 196. I can’t begin to tell you how disappointed I am and how I feel I’m letting you all down. I’ve heard and read all of your messages of support since my last fight and during this camp and for that I thank you.
Training camp has been difficult for the last few weeks, but sometimes no matter how much the heart and mind want to fight through an injury, healing has its own timeline. We thought we’d get through it, but we had to face the truth that it wasn’t going to be OK in time to fight. All of us fighters have all fought injured at one time or another, but I can’t ignore this injury, as my doctor has indicated that not addressing the problems with my sciatic nerve could have longer-term consequences. My fans deserve to see me compete as close to 100% as possible. I’m committed to giving them that. I’m not going to let my fans down, and I want to make sure I do the right things to ensure a long career.
Fabricio, I hope that you accept my sincere apology. I understand how you may think this is an excuse. From one professional to another, I can tell you I was committed and looking forward to competing with you again. I greatly respect you as a fighter and man, and we will meet soon.
I will get this taken care of as soon as possible. I will heal and will come back and show you the Cain Velasquez you all deserve to see.
The setback is just the latest one for Cain, as the former division champion missed the majority of 2014 and 2015 with multiple injuries, which prompted UFC president Dana White to call out American Kickboxing Academy and its training methods.
Miocic was in line to face the winner of Werdum vs. Cain, so pegging him as late replacement for a title fight was simply a no-brainer.
Keep it tuned to MMAmania.com as more details emerge.