With the exception of his misstep in his first fight with Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez has been a dominant heavyweight in the UFC. He is a two-time champion who has torn through some of the top competition the company has to offer.
Unfortunately, he won’t be the greatest champion in UFC history, despite his accomplishments.
Take a guy like Randy Couture, a natural 205er, in my opinion. Couture is multiple-time champion in the heavyweight division, and he beat skilled fighters who were larger than he was.
That is Velasquez’s biggest competition, other than potentially Junior dos Santos.
Velasquez has the potential for a loss any time he takes on a heavy hitter. He has had his chin exposed on multiple occasions, including his knockout loss to dos Santos and in his bout against Cheick Kongo (Kongo rocked him with a punch).
Of course, all heavyweights have power due to their muscle frame, natural power and brute force. However, any striker with takedown defense would always be around in a fight with Velasquez.
That’s not to take away from Velasquez’s skills. He has great wrestling, amazing cardio, powerful punches and athletic ability. That’s how he got to the top.
A glaring part of his game that’s missing, though, is his submission ability. Velasquez has had opportunities to submit people in the past and has not even attempted to use holds. That would make him a complete fighter.
Plus, the heavyweight division is now a shark tank. With guys like Josh Barnett, Daniel Cormier (who probably wouldn’t fight Velasquez), Fabricio Werdum and dos Santos, Velasquez is never safe. If Alistair Overeem can get his stuff together, he would be a huge test for Velasquez due to his power striking and strength.
He will be among the greatest champions, but will never be what Randy Couture was. He could eventually get there, but I don’t think he will be the greatest champion of all time.
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