Report: Cain Velasquez could headline UFC Phoenix

Cain Velasquez could be making his long-awaited UFC return.

Velasquez is in serious talks with the UFC about headlining their February event in Phoenix on ESPN, according to a report. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani says the fight would be between Velasquez and Francis Ngannou. It is not finalized yet but moving in the right direction.

UFC is in serious talks to book Cain Velasquez vs. Francis Ngannou as the main event for UFC Phoenix on Feb. 17, according to multiple sources. The fight isn't finalized just yet, sources say, but is currently moving in the right direction. https://t.co/ujYDrFevm4

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 14, 2018

Velasquez has not fought since beating Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016. This would be his first fight in over two and a half years.

Velasquez, 36, began his career 9-0 and won the UFC Heavyweight title with a win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 in 2010. He fought numerous times over the next three years but has only fought twice since 2014 due to multiple injury issues.

The heavyweight has missed time due to a surgically-repaired knee, shoulder, and back problems. Fans would love to see him back in the cage and may soon get their wish.