Morning Report: Cain Velasquez: Jon Jones would be a great challenge but I think I can beat him

MMAfighting.com

The last time Cain Velasquez stepped in the cage was July 2016 when he destroyed Travis Browneat UFC 200. Since then, Velasquez has been sidelined with numerous injuries, to the point that fans questioned if he would ever return. But on Sunday, the former two-time UFC heavyweight champion will return to the UFC after his 30-month absence, and he comes back to a very different heavyweight division.

While Velasquez has been out, his teammate Daniel Cormier has cemented his legacy in MMA, becoming only the second double champion in UFC history when he won the heavyweight belt by knocking out Stipe Miocic in one round at UFC 226. Cormier then became the first man to ever defend UFC belts in multiple weight classes when he submitted Derrick Lewis at UFC 230 just a few months later.

Cormier does not have much time left in the sport though. “DC” has previously said that he intended to retire by March but just this week announced he would put off that timeline as he recovers from some lingering injuries. And when Cormier finally does step away, Velasquez is ready to take on anyone to reclaim the heavyweight title.

“[I will fight] anyone,” Velasquez told TMZ Sports recently. “That’s why I’m in this sport: to fight the best guys, to be the best out there. To me, go out there and perform and win and take on the best guys.”

Among those guys considered to be the best in the sport is Jon Jones. Jones, Cormier’s longtime rival, is the only man to have ever beaten the heavyweight champion in MMA. And while at this point, it seems unlikely Jones and Cormier will ever square off again, Velasquez believes he can avenge his teammate’s loss to “Bones”.

“I think I could,” Velasquez said. “I think I’m good enough. Jon Jones is an amazing athlete. I’ve watched him in all his fights, I know what he’s capable of. Again, every guy poses a great challenge and I think he does as well but I think I can beat him.”

First Velasquez has to worry about this weekend though as the former heavyweight champion takes on third-ranked Francis Ngannou in the main event of UFC Phoenix.