(Here comes the pain…)
Cain Velasquez is a former All-American wrestler and undefeated MMA fighter who has yet to see what the second round looks like in his pro career. This Saturday at UFC Fight Night 17 he faces Octagon newbie Denis Stojnic, and all indications are that Velasquez’s undefeated streak will still be intact on Sunday morning.
In this exclusive interview, Velasquez talks with us about the choice of opponents, his transition from wrestling to MMA, and his thoughts on AKA’s recent dust-up with the UFC over the video game licensing deal.
CagePotato.com: You’re facing a guy who’s making his UFC debut in Denis Stojnic. What do you know about him and how have you been preparing for him?
The only thing I know about him is from watching YouTube videos of him. He’s an aggressive fighter, he throws some wild punches, and he’s an extremely tough dude. I’m working on turning the corner, not really standing there and banging with him, but looking for shots from there for the takedown.
You’re 4-0 and beat a fairly established UFC fighter in Jake O’Brien your last time out. Why do you think the UFC decided to put you up against a guy stepping into the Octagon for the first time?
I’m not really sure, but they did. I’m glad they did because that’s just more ring time for me. When I get up to the big guys, the big names, I’ll be more ready.
If you win this fight do you think you’ll get a chance to challenge some of those bigger names?
You know, I’m not sure. I would think so. I think they want to build me up some and I want to work my way up the ladder. Whoever they want to give me, I’ll take it. I just want more time in there to get some experience to help me feel really comfortable in the cage.
You got into MMA a couple years ago after wrestling at Arizona State. What made you want to do it and how did you get started?
I told my college coach, Tom Ortiz, that I wanted to do MMA when I was a junior there. It was just something I knew I could do. He told me to get done with my season and then he would hook me up with the right people.
He got me with AKA in San Jose and Dwayne Zinkin of Zinkin entertainment. He was good friends with Dwayne Zinkin because Zinkin wrestled at Fresno State. He’s a good guy, and he helped me a lot. Things have been going great ever since I got here and I think my transition has gone really good.
Do you still feel like you’re a wrestler first and everything else second?
No, I don’t. I feel like I’ve been doing this for long enough now that I have a good grasp of everything. My ground game, the jiu-jitsu, the kickboxing, the wrestling, I feel like I can put it all together. I don’t really consider myself a wrestler because I will stand with somebody and I will fight on my feet.
It seems like particularly in some weight classes, like heavyweight and lightweight, for instance, you look around and see it dominated by ex-wrestlers. Why do you think that is?
I think that has to do with a lot of things. I think a lot of the things that you go through in wrestling, and just kind of the work ethic that you develop, prepares you for MMA. I think it’s a lot easier to build off wrestling than other things. If you have a kickboxer come in and try to learn to wrestle, it’s really foreign to him. We already have a good base to start from. We basically just have to build on our stand-up and our jiu-jitsu, and I think wrestlers already have a good knowledge of a lot of the important stuff.
What’s been the hardest part of the transition for you?
I think for me it’s been the jiu-jitsu part of it. Not that it’s so hard learning the techniques, but just the mind-set of jiu-jitsu. You have to be really relaxed, looking for the openings and looking for your submissions. In wrestling it’s very different. It’s more about working. Working for your attacks, your takedowns, your defenses. It’s just a totally different mind-set.
When the situation erupted regarding Jon Fitch’s unwillingness to sign the UFC’s licensing deal, Dana White made some very public and very negative comments about your team and your management. How did you take that?
You know, I just let my managers handle that, and it seemed like everything worked out. It’s all part of the negotiations process. I just worry about the fighting and the training.
But did anyone from the UFC ever say to you that they wished you’d get different management, that they were the problem?
There was stuff online that we heard while it was going on, but that’s about it. I didn’t really worry too much about it. We just kind of said, ‘Well, this our management and they’ll take care of it.’ And they did. They do a great job. They’re going to fight for us, no matter what the conditions are. Their job is to get the best for us and they do that. You don’t have to worry with them that they aren’t looking out for your interests first.
Did it seem to you like you guys at AKA were being singled out because of your management and their resistance to the licensing deal?
That’s what they’re there for. If it wasn’t us who got into with them over this, would it have been another gym? I don’t know. I mean, we cooperate whenever we can, but our managers are there to get the best for us and fight for us. I think any fighter would want his manager to do that for him, so it’s not just like we’re trying to be difficult. It’s all part of the process, though. We just go back and forth until we reach an agreement.
So ideally, who would you like to fight in the UFC’s heavyweight class right now? Who would be a good fight for you?
I think anybody who’s up there would be good for me. I want to fight any of them. Anybody who’s in the top ten of the UFC’s heavyweight division would be a good fight and an intense fight.
Thanks, Cain. Anything else you want to add?
I just want to thank AKA and Dwayne Zinkin and Zinkin Entertainment, and all my training partners and everyone who supports me.
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Comments
Wed, 02/04/09 - 08:59
good stuff. i'd be shocked if he lost.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:00
3rd.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:01
My family is from Bosnia and Hercegovina... Denis will kill that idiot. Bosnians are natrual born fighters, check Bosnias history, all we have been doing is killing each other for the past 2000 years.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:06
The reasons st pierre is so slippery is because when his corner men are getting ready to have sex with his butt they use the extra lube to rub all over his gay french canadian body
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:06
hey, fucker, you want to hear a story, well t was when i kicked the shit out of every Bosnian i met.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:07
no BJ Penn Fan you go to hell you fugly fucking whore ill fucking murder you in real life and im not joking about this
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:16
fuck you tuf guy. i hate you and im going to kick your gay ass. suck and choke on my cock. IN THAT ORDER. what is the difference between my cock and the object that will be in your anal cavity??? NOTHING.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:17
TUF Guy taps on strikes. He's a pussy. Thats what i think.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:18
He's not sure why he's fighting a UFC newcomer? Dude, you have a grand total of 4 pro fights. Take your time, hone your skills. Nobody's gonna be the champ after only a couple fights. Oh wait...
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:29
Rofl I think the Bens need a catchy thing to do with each interview. My personal vote is - You should ask each fighter what they think about the name Kadumel, or what the first word that comes to their mind is. Or you could let me do the interviews.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:35
Tuf guy, obviously y'all aren't very good at it...or you wouldn't be here. Velasquez by tko, round 1.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:39
Cain Velasquez vs. Shane Carwin would be a tremendous fight.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:41
Thanks for the support, guys. I'll try to go out there and put on a good fight for you guys. BROWN PRIDE baby!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:50
Please, give him one of these tomato can fighting mid-level HW's to really build him up. Since Carwin is about to destroy Gonzaga, let Velasquez smash Cheick Kongo. Then he can legitimately challenge the bigger names in the division while building up a solid fanbase. It might be a good thing to keep him on the Fight Nights for another fight or two since a lot more people see it live on Spike for free, and then on the reruns
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:53
LOL @ agentsmith ! Yeah lets give him his title shot against mir or brock!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:57
@ Armbreaker Yeah that would be a great match! Doesn't he look mean? I mean If I accidentally cut him off in traffic then we were going to the same place.. I would be like dude, please don't kill me, I didn't mean it !
Wed, 02/04/09 - 09:57
From the Bible "And the Bosnians shall be the strongest humans on earth" Jeramiah 3:12
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:09
Sharks are winners, and they don't look back, because they have no necks. Necks are for sheep. And I'm proud to be the shepherd of this herd of sharks.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:11
@ Jesus Tapped It might be a book of lies but I bet if I ever fought you.. you would start reciding the bible and praying to God real quick. Go sniff a cock you faggot. By the way, All bosnians have been athiest since the war of 92. Thats all the proof we needed that the world is a forsaken place.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:13
does this Stojnic guy fight with goran and the european justice league???
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:13
@ TUF Guy Hey buddy, everyone knows that the bible is just a big book of lies.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:16
@ anonymous nobody will take your questions serrious unless you come up with a clever user-name on this site. You'll get less respect than "mayhem420", but I'll give you a pass this time and answer your question. maybe He does.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:17
Sounds like a humble guy whos approaching this in the right way, I hope he does well even more now that I see he's not some arrogant piece of shit like TUF Ghey...er I mean Guy.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:19
No one is giving this Denis character any love at all. I like Velasquez, but he has a long way to go. Lets see what he does this weekend and if he wins, maybe they'll put him on the fast track...line him up against Kongo and see if Cain is ready or if Kongo has actually turned the corner and should be considered in the top 5 of the UFC HW. Hopefully Overeem comes to UFC and helps add depth to the division.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:26
Hey Tuf Dumbfuck! What's your moms address so I can go and dickslap her for raising you to be such a stupid fuck?
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:27
CV's comments about the transition from wrestling to Jiu Jitsu are true. Learning how to relax and look for openings is tough with a wrestler's habits. Any tips, especially breathing control?
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:28
LOL @ momma jokes. That's how I know I am winning these arguments. When people have to resort to something that was popular in the early 90's to try to diss me. I am awesome.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:29
TUF Guy, the greatest duty you could serve your people is to jump in front of a bus and dispatch yourself straight to hell, you dogshit-brained, homophobic, ignorant troll. Long live my people, defenestration to human trash like yourself.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:30
@ Massiveammounts... sounds like you hold a grudge against people with a lot of confidence. Why is that? Are you a weak little chump? Do people call you chump change? Did you get beat up a lot by jocks or raped in the locker-room by a jock? Why does it bother you so much when people talk loud and obnoxious? Is it because you know you CAN'T DO NOTHING about it? See for people like me, it's awesome, because we get to be loud and obnoxious and say whatever we want, online or in the gym, because we are more superior than the average joe and anyone who has a problem would get their asses handed to them. Look don't hate me cause I'm blessed, hate your pathetic father for raising a wuss with no confidence. :: looks at biceps :: :: smirks :: BITCH
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:32
Bosnians suck dick.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:32
TUF Pussy er, Guy Says: Wed, 02/04/2009 - 10:37 Hey look at me, I act like a total retard on the internetz. I'm so cool and funny! Blah blah blah.... ********************** Ohhh the irony
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:32
lmao.....sure TUF Guy whatever you want to tell yourself bro. You get brutalized by almost everyone on this site yet you continue to post here, you must me a gluton for punishment or something because most people when they notice this many people (as in everyone) hates you, talks down to you and generally pisses in your face, they don't stick around to allow it to happen every single day......not you, get a clue you fucking moron, no one here likes you or thinks you're funny in the least little way....why don't you just leave?
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:34
@ Massiveammounts, now brutilized is a harsh word. That would only apply to things like the rape that happened to you in school or what your uncles did to your mouth... but anyways, I , TUF Guy, have single handedly shuned people of this site. And another thing, nobody likes you either. Not even in real life. You're just a weak human being, but it's all good, we need people like you to bag our groceries.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:37
for a 'dickslap' you would actually need a dick that doesn't rest on top of your balls. your dick is so small you piss on your own nutsack. You fail buddy.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:37
^ get in line. TUF Guy's mom is busy taking in all the dicks she can handle.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:37
"TUF Guy, the greatest duty you could serve your people is to jump in front of a bus and dispatch yourself straight to hell, you dogshit-brained, homophobic, ignorant troll. Long live my people, defenestration to human trash like yourself." nice
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:37
Hey look at me, I act like a total retard on the internetz. I'm so cool and funny! Blah blah blah....
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:40
Alija Izetbegovic is dead and his son was not named after him. Educational FAIL. NEXXXTTT
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:47
I am so horny. Do any of u guys want to come over and please me? I can take two at a time because I have a lot of practice.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:51
TUFF GUY don't be suprised if you get an answer. I know there are quite a few users on here (about 97%) who are full blown flamboyent Ricardo fags
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:08
@ TUF Guy, Go find your own name. You can't use mine! I wear Affliction shirts all day 24/7 so I can beat your ass!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:09
@ TUF Guy I am the real TUF Guy, so kiss my Bosnian buttocks!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:14
what a ridiculous idea, some newcomer with only a few MMA fights against low-level competition getting a shot at the belt. PURE SILLINESS.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:15
@ TUF Guy, I will repeatedly attack your thoracic cavity because you have weak child bearing hips! You cannot submit me because I sleep in a giant vat of Vasoline and Vics Vapor Rub!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:16
@ TUF Guy, I will put you in a arm bar and not listen to you tap. I will then remove my cool TapOut T-shirt with the sweet Italian flag on it (even though I'm Bosnian) and show off my 4 pack!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:16
You guys are big jerkwads and I believe applesauce is far greater than ketchup on sunny Fridays baby.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:17
@ TUF Guy, It's called Vicks Vapor Rub, and the smell of it alone will arouse the referee's suspicion!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:20
@ TUF Guy, you are so pathetic, Michael Jordan is a far greater baller than Santa Claus.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:21
@ TUF Guy Santa led the nation in scoring all four years at South Pole State. Biotch!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:22
@ TUF Guy, yeah, but how many NBA titles has Santa won? Go read a book. Up your nose with a rubber hose! Stop using my name TUF Guy!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:23
@ Derevka Overeem would be a good addition to the UFC's heavyweight division, but they better test him for steroids before they sign him.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:29
@ TUF Guy, You don't know me, if you did, then you'd know how my stand up game is full of overhead murderballs and headbutts to the groin!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:39
I think Cain will eventually fight for the title. Give it 2 years max!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:46
GSP's short shorts and vaseline.... yummy
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:58
Last night in the gym, I tapped to a grapevine...Art Jimmerson is my hero!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:16
Roarrrrrrrr Cain smash
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:19
@ TUF Guy, or I should say internet TUF guy, It's clear to me and everyone else that if you have to come online and act like a tough guy it means that you cant act like that anywhere else. If this was the only place I could talk smack and I would too. You gotta act tough somewhere... so get it out TUF Guy!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:23
Cage Potato, Can you please BAN the one who refers to himself as BJ Penn fan? How can you expect intelligent MMA conversations with idiotic fighter and poster bashing like this? Do the site a favor and get this waste of skin off the site.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:27
TUF Guy 4 Presidente! You want a job?
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:49
@ JB.......no truer words were ever spoken mate, agree 100. I would be willing to bet that Tuf Guy is a overweight EMO who wears eye liner and dreams of slitting his wrists 24/7, all that pent up false aggresion has to be coming from some overly emotional reclusive douchebag. I'm begining to wonder if it's one of the Ben's just getting our goat to increase site hits...lol....nah fuck thats way too offensive to their intelligence, hell they would at least come up with comments that are somewhat funny, this chickendick can't even do that.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 12:51
Well this is the "REAL TUF Guy" now and as stated before: YOU IDIOTS need to realize that anyone can put my name down and type any homoerotic stuff they want. People know when it's me and when it's someone 'trying reallly hard' to be funny I don't just go on blabbering about random stuff for ages because I am an angry kid with low self esteem, I just come, I see and I conquer!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 01:09
Come see and Conquer talking about mens asses again o and for the record when cutting yourself remember down the street not across the road do us all a favour
Wed, 02/04/09 - 01:15
I'm going to stop posting my stupid comments now because my vagina hurts!!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 01:33
Cain V. is a monster in the making. It's just his cock in my ass I am taking. I am tuff, no I am not, just faking. What's that sound? My face breaking. you are a douchebag.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 01:46
@ TUF Guy(s) I am the real tough guy, noone is tougher than I! Who wants to rub vasoline on me?
Wed, 02/04/09 - 02:11
@TUF Guy, Come on sister, don't say you are the real TUF guy. I am the real TUF Guy. Wanna see the proof? My name is TUF Guy. There you go sucka!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 02:56
There I Have Changed My Name To Better Suit My Personality And True Motivations... Quick SomeOne Lube Me!
Wed, 02/04/09 - 03:52
@ TUF Guy It's not a heard of sharks. It's a shiver of sharks.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 03:53
herd i mean....nevermind
Wed, 02/04/09 - 04:13
tuf guy are u really bosnian because they fucking staaank worse than a rotting pakistanis asshole and am not gona say that i am gona shag yr mum because i already did and never again her cunt looked like a bulldog eating mayonnaise.come on at first its a joke but yr actually think you tuf and trying to pass yrself off as a fighter.ha ha ha you dont have to be a pro fighter to be tuf but you do have to fight instead of talking shite all day like a window licker trying to convince us yr hard when we couldn't give 2 shits if u were.SAD this is more sadder than taking an ethiopian in to kfc and saying u forgot yr wallet.gowan tuf guy say something tuf but what would be really funny is if you said it to someone in person so they can turn u over.all show and no go hahahahahaha WANKER
Wed, 02/04/09 - 05:27
Sounds like a very boring person. How exciting.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 10:23
ok... that really hurt me. I'm going to go down to my mommys basement and eat paint chips now.
Wed, 02/04/09 - 11:14
Shane v Cain!
Mon, 02/06/12 - 02:03
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