Velasquez, Werdum battling in UFC title unification bout
FORT LAUDERDALE — Cain Velasquez has heard Fabricio Werdum’s chatter.
“On June 13, I’ll show everyone who’s the real champion,” Werdum recently told Fox Sports 1 about the two heavyweights’ upcoming feature fight at UFC 188.
Werdum, 37, has served as the interim UFC heavyweight champ since a knee injury took Velasquez out of action last October.
The two were scheduled to battle in UFC 180 in November, but Velasquez instead underwent surgery after suffering a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his right knee. Now Velasquez is back. The No. 1-ranked heavyweight says he’s ready for Werdum. The two will top the card in Mexico City in a title unification bout.
“The [belt] he has is not the real one,” Velasquez said in a recent interview at the Sun Sentinel. “This June we are going to fight and the real guy will come out on top.”
Velasquez said his knee has responded well during training.
“It feels good, especially with all the jiu-jitsu stuff,” he said.
Over the past few years, Velasquez has dealt with numerous injuries, including those to his shoulders, knees, elbows and hands.
“I’m glad I got them all fixed,” he said. “I feel like my recovery process has brought my body back 100 percent.”
Velasquez (13-1 overall, 11-1 UFC) has not stepped into the Octagon since October 2013, when he defeated Junior Dos Santos by technical knockout at UFC 166.
The 32-year-old said has nothing to prove.
“I know what my job is out there,” Velasquez said. “I know what people expect of me — to have the fighting style of going forward and having a lot of action.”
he
In his most recent bout, Werdum (19-5-1, 7-2) defended the title at UFC 180, knocking out Mark Hunt in the second round.
A five-round unanimous decision over Travis Browne in April 2014 completed a 2-0 year for the Brazilian.
“Fabricio is a guy that does everything,” Velasquez said. “He’s very crafty and he is one of the best on the ground.”
The chance to don the UFC heavyweight title belt in Mexico City would be special for Velasquez, who is of Mexican heritage.
“It’s my dream to fight there. It’s the one place where I wanted to fight,” he said.” “I’m happy I get a second chance.”