Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez isn’t ruling out a possible upset at UFC 295.
In the main event of that pay-per-view card, Jon Jones will put the heavyweight gold at stake against Stipe Miocic. The title fight will take place inside Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 11. It’ll be the first time Jones defends the heavyweight gold.
Cain Velasquez On Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Recently, “The Schmo” was able to catch up with Cain Velasquez. The MMA legend gave his take on the Jones vs. Miocic matchup. While Velasquez is well aware that the smart money is on “Bones,” he isn’t about to dismiss Miocic’s chances.
“Jon Jones, the greatest ever, the greatest that you’re ever gonna see I believe,” Velasquez said. “Especially, somebody at that weight class, 205 and now heavyweight. So, obviously the strongest competitor that you’re gonna face out there, but there is always that puncher’s chance. There’s always that maybe chance, and that’s what I believe continues to bring interest into fights. There’s always that maybe chance. Stipe, the greatest heavyweight as well out there, arguably. So, he brings so many threats to Jon Jones as well. It’s one of those things, it’s like, obviously, your gut will tell you that Jon Jones may come out on top, but it’s always that maybe, and Stipe is one of those guys that can bring out that big maybe in this fight as well.”
Future At Heavyweight
“The Schmo” then asked Velasquez if he feels rising stars Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall could be the future in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Velasquez praised both men, but he actually has experience in the gym with Pavlovich, who will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 295 headliner.
“With Sergei, I’ve actually trained with him,” Velasquez said. “It was a couple of years ago, too. So, obviously when he wasn’t at this level yet and he’s really tough to deal with, man. Me training with him at AKA, not a lot of guys get the better of me, and he was one of those guys where it was very difficult to do what I wanted to against him. Good, strong wrestling background, very strong wrestling defense, but also hard punching and really good striking. Long and powerful, really tough to deal with.”
Check out the full interview below:
