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Rashad, Hendo & Sonnen all back Velasquez

Cain Velasquez is preparing to make his first UFC heavyweight title defence against Junior Dos Santos © Getty Images

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The size of the task facing Junior Dos Santos this weekend has been summed up by his peers, who have voted in favour of Cain Velasquez by a 10-1 majority.

Dos Santos, undefeated in seven UFC fights, takes on Cain Velasquez, reigning champion and also undefeated in seven UFC fights.

The difference, in the eyes of the likes of Rashad Evans, Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen, will be Velasquez's wrestling expertise. Only Roy Nelson, beaten by unanimous decision by Dos Santos, is backing against the champion.

Below are the views of 11 UFC fighters, courtesy of Sportsnet.ca.

"I think Cain will win, and it will come down to how good Dos Santos' wrestling or counter-wrestling is. Even Cain doesn't want to stand up with Junior." Forrest Griffin

"I've got to go with Cain Velasquez. Junior Dos Santos has got very good hands and is pretty good at stopping the wrestling, but the relentless pace that Cain sets will be too much for Junior." Rashad Evans

"I've got to go with Cain, Junior's a tough guy but Cain is going to show where he's at in the division and will separate himself in this fight." Ryan Bader

"I'm leaning towards Cain Velasquez because he's got the belt now, he's beaten Brock and proved he's the best." Dan Hardy

"Cain Velasquez. He's the top heavyweight in the world, I don't think anyone dethrones him right now." Rory MacDonald

"I can't wait for the match. Dos Santos really won me over in the Carwin fight, but Cain's a whole other deal." Chael Sonnen

"Cain Velasquez's wrestling is just too fluent, he doesn't get tired, no matter what, and his striking is also very good. He's a very well-rounded fighter." Dominick Cruz

"I have to go with Cain. Unless he gets caught early coming in, Cain will put him on his back and I don't think Junior's used to being there." Dan Henderson

"I've known Cain for a while through the wrestling community, he's my boy, I'll go with Cain." Chad Mendes

"Cain will win. His wrestling will keep Junior off balance, and when he needs to strike he'll be able to use it. He'll get the win." Kenny Florian

"I'm going with JDS because he beat me and I'll probably be the only one he never knocks out!" Roy Nelson

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