As we get closer to the witnessing Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos be a part of history this weekend, both competitors will have the spotlight shining directly on them. For the champion, it is about continuing his dominance and remaining at the top of the division, and considering his circumstances, that’s a tough task to achieve.
Velasquez will be making his return to the Octagon after a nearly a year of being sidelined with a torn rotator cuff, which he suffered during his bout with Brock Lesnar at UFC 122. Historically, fighters aren’t always in true form after returning from an injury, and even more so, Velasquez’s injury is much more difficult to recover from.
While the betting lines suggest Velasquez has a slight advantage over dos Santos, it is isn’t significantly a huge advantage due to how evenly matched both competitors are.
As he prepares to face one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC, Velasquez will have his hands full. Dos Santos is renowned for his technical, precise boxing and has finished the last five of his seven opponents.
The UFC is investing a lot of their time and money in promoting Velasquez as a dominant champion, but his value could take a considerable hit should he lose to the heavy-handed Brazilian on Saturday night. He might still remain relevant in the title picture, however. If he is to lose in such dominating fashion, Velasquez could find himself a few wins away from challenging for the heavyweight crown again.
Again, Velasquez’s stock won’t take a big hit, but after dethroning one of the company’s most dominant champions in Lesnar, it would be a disappointment to see him not succeed.
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