After seeing a decent amount of UFC and MMA fights over the past few years, I’ve learned never to be surprised at the outcome of a match. I can’t say I was surprised with the actual outcome of the fight between Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar at UFC 121, but the way it happened was pretty unexpected.
After dominating Lesnar in a fight that didn’t last a full round, Cain Velasquez has become the first Mexican to win a heavyweight championship in combative sports. As we told you before, there were plenty of experts who picked Velasquez to win because of his superior cardio and wrestling ability. Cain may possess those attributes, but he barely needed them on Saturday night.
Velasquez and Lesnar both came out swinging to electrify the Honda Center crowd, with the champion landing a couple more shots than the challenger early on. Velasquez weathered the storm and survived two Lesnar takedowns, popping to his feet rather quickly each time. From that point, Cain was able to take control of the fight.
Velasquez took the fight to the bigger Lesnar and took him down at around the 3:00 mark, working in punches from his position on the back of the champion. Lesnar was able to get to his feet after the takedown, but a brilliant two-punch combo from Velasquez sent him stumbling into the cage and into a vulnerable position. The challenger pounced, landing a series of blows and opening up a nasty gash under Lesnar’s left eye before referee Herb Dean stepped in and called the fight.
So there you have it. Cain Velasquez is the new UFC heavyweight champion. Larry and LBS contributor Alan Hull were in attendance to witness the belt change hands, so be sure to check back for their take on the evening.
