Medical Beat: Could rotator-cuff surgery actually sideline Velasquez for a year?

News broke on Wednesday that UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez suffered a torn rotator cuff in his October win over Brock Lesnar.

Now, upcoming surgery and a lengthy recovery could keep him out a minimum of six to eight months, according to trai…

News broke on Wednesday that UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez suffered a torn rotator cuff in his October win over Brock Lesnar.

Now, upcoming surgery and a lengthy recovery could keep him out a minimum of six to eight months, according to trainer Javier Mendez.

But in his latest “Medical Beat” installment, MMAjunkie.com medical columnist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Johnny Benjamin explains why that timetable may be an optimistic one. He also details some potentially serious issues Velasquez’s repaired shoulder could face upon his return.