Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is embracing a new challenge in his combat sports journey. At 42, the MMA legend has been named team manager for the Global Fight League (GFL), a fresh team based promotion set to shake up the fighting world.
Cain Velasquez Takes on Manager Role in Global Fight League
The announcement was made in a press release issued by the GFL. Velasquez’s latest move highlights his commitment to staying involved in the sport while stepping away from the cage.
Per GFL,
Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez has joined the GFL as a team manager. His first act of duty was signing his world renowned trainer, Javier Mendez, as head coach of his team. pic.twitter.com/D9cbRe5r0i
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 3, 2025
Velasquez did not make the leap alone. He tapped Javier Mendez, his longtime trainer at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), to lead as head coach for his team. Mendez is no stranger to success, having trained some of the biggest names in MMA history including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Daniel Cormier.
The GFL plans to launch with six international teams featuring male and female fighters. Unlike many promotions, the GFL promises a revenue sharing model that equally benefits fighters and the organization. A draft is scheduled for January 24, the same day Velasquez is due in court for sentencing related to charges of attempted murder and firearm violations.
Velasquez, who has been out on bail since late 2022, shifted his plea to no contest last August after initially pleading not guilty. While the legal case looms, his involvement in the GFL marks a significant step toward moving forward both personally and professionally.
Beyond his management role, Velasquez is part of a storied MMA legacy as one of AKA’s famed Four Kings alongside Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Nurmagomedov. Each has left a mark on the sport, and Rockhold, who recently signed with GFL, is expected to make his MMA return under its banner in 2025. Additionally, Paige VanZant has joined the GFL roster, further bolstering the promotion’s lineup of well-known fighters. VanZant, who has experience across multiple combat sports, brings added star power and excitement to the league.
The first global, team-based MMA league 🌍
We’re bringing fans closer to their favorite fighters and teams like never before 👊💥Learn more from the link in our bio 🔗#GFL #GlobalFightLeague #TeamMMA #FutureOfMMA #MMA #CombatSports pic.twitter.com/ZmiZW3E0xJ
— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) December 30, 2024
With its innovative approach and a growing roster of recognizable names including Velasquez and Rockhold, the GFL is positioning itself as a major player in the MMA world. For Velasquez, it is a chance to help shape the future of the sport while navigating the next chapter of his life.
GFL has expanded its women’s roster by adding 60 new athletes, including several former top-level fighters from various promotions. The roster includes notable names like Cynthia Calvillo, Julia Budd, and Jessica Aguilar. The 2025 draft is scheduled to kick off soon.
