Under the Microscope: Analyzing Heavyweight Greats

Eric StintonFeb 15, 2016

Cain Velasquez

* Heavyweight Record: 13-2
* Opponent Winning Percentage: .776
* Longest Winning Streak: 9
* Record in Major Heavyweight Title Fights: 4-2
* Finish Percentage: 85
* Finished Percentage: 100
* Notable Victories: Cheick Kongo, Ben Rothwell, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Brock Lesnar, Antonio Silva (twice), Junior dos Santos (twice)
* Career Accomplishments: two-time UFC heavyweight champion, with two total defenses; tied for most consecutive heavyweight title defenses; most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history, three UFC “Knockout of the Night” bonuses

CASE FOR: Since Velasquez first stepped into the Octagon as a 2-0 prospect, he was pegged to become a historic champion. He has all but fulfilled that promise, reeling off six knockouts in seven straight victories to capture the UFC title for the first time. The manner in which Velasquez has dominated has been truly unique, using a slightly undersized frame as an advantage by pairing it with an unprecedented work rate. Indeed, no one in the sport has made a weapon out of cardio as viciously as Velasquez. As a result, he has never had a fight that was even remotely close or controversial, closing out all but two opponents before the bell and making the other two regret lasting that long -- all of this while facing the statistically toughest opponents compared to anyone else on this list. Cinching the most title defenses in the division’s history is the feather in his cap. His two losses, too, can be explained away: One was a fluke punch that would have knocked out a rhinoceros, and the other was a combination of a long layoff and poor preparation. He is still young for the division, and everything else he is bound to accomplish will only further distance him from the rest of the pack.

CASE AGAINST: That is a rosy way to look at those losses. A more grounded interpretation is that he was outstruck by a big puncher and that he was all around outclassed by the ever-improving Fabricio Werdum. Sometimes, losses can be moral victories of sorts, testimony to a deep resiliency and desire to win; neither of Velasquez’ losses were of that sort. Putting those aside, though, there are still some dents in his armor at this point. First, his second title run consisted solely of lopsided rematches, and it looks much less impressive given the fact that his first fresh opponent took him to school. That is to say nothing of the fact that his first title win was against a disease-ridden Lesnar, who more or less won the title by virtue of a big personality and a thin pool of competitors. On top of everything else, Velasquez is the statistical frontrunner only in strength of schedule: His peers have better winning streaks, better records in title fights, better finish rates ... you get the picture. Velasquez just might go down as the greatest ever when all is said and done, but right now, it is too soon to call it.

Continue Reading » Fabricio Werdum