Cain needs to win one more to challenge for the belt. Photo: Josh Hedges
On February 20, Cain Velasquez will be looking to maintain his unbeaten record against Rodrigo Minotauro. The fight will take place at UFC 110, in Australia, and the winner will skip to the front of the line of challengers for the organization’s heavyweight belt.
“It will definitely be one of the sternest tests I’ve had so far. I watch a lot of his fights and love them,” he says.
Velasquez is confident and knows that, to make it to the belt, he’ll have to beat opponents of Mino’s caliber. Among the fighter’s main worries is the Brazilian’s Jiu-Jitsu. Furthermore, going into his eighth career fight, he will be facing a much more seasoned opponent, about to make it to the 40-fight mark.
“I know he’s a very experienced fighter and is always dangerous. But now is my time,” he says.
In a recent interview with NOCAUTE magazine, conducted by Nalty Jr, Cain was respectful and had the following to say about Nogueira.
“He’s always tough and should never be underestimated him. Even when he’s losing, he finds a way to reverse and get the submission. I respect him as a legend of the sport,” says the wrestler, who has even trained with Minotauro’s teammates, like light heavyweight champion of the UFC Lyoto Machida.
“I think he (Lyoto) is a great champion.”