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The return of Cain Velasquez after a 31 month layoff period ended shortly after its start.
The former two-time champion and arguably the biggest heavyweight in the history of the UFC fell into a pair of right hands before his left knee gave in, resulting in a shocking 26-second defeat against former title opponent Francis Ngannou on Sunday in the main event of the UFC. Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona.
The loss, which carried the first UFC card on ESPN, recalled that of Velasquez in 64 seconds against Junior dos Santos in 2011, when Velasquez, injured on one knee, had lost his title in the first edition of the historic agreement between UFC and Fox. . Unfortunately, Velasquez has only added to his recent injury legacy following his defeat on Sunday.
Velasquez (14-3), 36, who has only fought twice in the last four years, has also not been favored by returning to Ngannou (13-3), one-dimensional but nevertheless dangerous. Velasquez attempted an early withdrawal attempt and was overtaken by a small center on the right and an uppercut.
Just as Velasquez tried to stabilize to avoid going down, his left knee dropped. Ngannou immediately jumped on the Velasquez, fallen to the ground, to hit two hammers, at the moment when referee Jason Herzog rushed to end the fight.
"Drop Francis, he came here and did his job," said Velasquez. "I stayed a little too close, too early.
"[My knee] just a little curly there on the shots. I stayed a little too close and it was dangerous. What are you going to do? "
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Originally from Yuma, Arizona, Velasquez has found the home of a hero in Phoenix. The Arizona State wrestling veteran took a long time before his last comeback – not only to ensure his physical health, but to mentally strengthen himself after taking an extended training leave to enjoy from the birth of his son, Cain Jr., in 2018.
We are now back to the drawing board for Velasquez, who has not fought since the end of his 13 month layoff in 2016 by eliminating Travis Browne during a tour at the UFC 200.
"[I’ll return] Velasquez said: "As soon as everything is fine, I felt super ready for this fight; even came here very calm and relaxed and ready to leave. That's why this sport is so great that you never know what's going to happen at any time. I can give you more and you know that I can give you more. I am really sorry for that. "
While the last chapter of Velasquez's roller coaster course undoubtedly stole the show, the victory was overwhelming for Ngannou, the 32-year-old Cameroonian, exposed in his loss to the champion Stipe Miocic pony at the time. .
"I promise you guys, I'm back," said Ngannou. "As I have already said, I am back and you will see me again.I told you yesterday that I had a surprise for you and I hope you will like it. "
Despite a subsequent defeat against Derrick Lewis last July, even UFC President Dana White has publicly questioned Ngannou's attitude and commitment to the sport.
With such a demonstrative victory over a Velasquez caliber fighter, there is no doubt that Ngannou catapulted his name in a picture of the title including current champion Daniel Cormier, Miocic and the possible additions of Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones.
"[The finish] was very fast, so I did not even realize what had happened, "Ngannou said. It was very fast. I felt good and I'm just here to have fun and relax and enjoy my fight.
"I was expecting this fight two years ago because I knew that I needed a Cain-type challenge to prove itself."
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UFC on ESPN 1 results
Francis Ngannou def. Cain Velasquez via KO in the first round (punch)
Paul Felder def. James Vick by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Cynthia Calvillo def. Cortney Casey by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Kron Gracie def. Alex Caceres via submission to the first round (starter to bare back)
Vincente Luque def. Bryan Barberena via TKO in the third round (strikes)
Andre Fili def. Myles Jury by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Aljamain Sterling def. Jimmie Rivera by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
UFC on ESPN 1 comment, updates
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