Photos: publicity
As previously reported here on GRACIEMAG.com (see here), Cain Velasquz was in Mexico polishing up his Jiu-Jitsu at the country’s Renzo Gracie academy led by black belt and GMA Mario Delgado. On the coming 23rd of October the purple belt Velasquez will have his work cut out for him when he takes on Brock Lesnar in challenging for the UFC heavyweight belt. Delgado had a chat with GRACIEMAG.com about the illustrious visitor.
How was Cain’s visit?
He showed us some single-leg and double-leg takedown techniques, his specialty. He showed some standing sweeps, among other things.
Did you guys focus on any positions specifically for the Lesnar fight?
Cain is much quicker than Carwin (Lesnar’s last opponent) in the standup department and has a much better, more well-rounded game. Cain won the IBJJF No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship as a blue belt. He’s always trying to pass guard and get the mount to use his ground-and-pound. His Jiu-Jitsu game is better than Carwin’s, so we figured he can try for a takedown from the sprawl and position himself on top.
Does he visit your academy often?
This was his second time here. I do broadcasting for the UFC in Mexico and so when he’s here we do promo clips for TV at my academy.
What does Velasquez think of Jiu-Jitsu? Does he like training in the gi, too?
He trains in the gi a bit, but he does more no-gi training with his trainer Dave Camarillo.
Cain at Renzo Gracie Mexico
Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing in Mexico. How are things going at the Renzo Gracie branch you head?
Things are going great here in Mexico. We’re putting together the National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and I’m the president. This year we’ll hold the sixth Mexican National Championship, where we expect over 500 competitors. Jiu-Jitsu is growing by leaps and bounds here. The Renzo Gracie Mexico academy has more than 200 students and is five-time champion of the country. Besides Cain, we’ve had athletes like Robert Drysdale, Kenny Florian, Marcelo Garcia, Fernando Tererê, Royce, Rolles and Kyra Gracie, among other drop in.
Check out Cain in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebJD3Pg30_Y