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Velasquez eyes summer return - but won't face Cormier

ESPN staff
February 6, 2013
Cain Velasquez wants a prompt return to action © Getty Images
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UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has confirmed that he is hoping to return to the Octagon in the summer - but will not fight his friend and team-mate Daniel Cormier.

Velasquez dominated Junior dos Santos at UFC 155 to reclaim his world title, before Alistair Overeem - widely considered a likely first defence for Velasquez - saw his own title chances dented with a defeat to Antonio Silva on his return following a suspension at UFC 156.

Silva did little to harm his own chances of challenging Velasquez with the win - although there is little hunger for the contest, after Velasquez dominated the Brazilian so thoroughly in their last meeting in May 2012.

However, UFC president Dana White revealed on Tuesday that he was open to the match-up - lending credibility to the prospect.

With his next opponent up for debate, Velasquez confirmed that he is hoping to return to action sooner rather than later - but that he will not consider a meeting with Cormier.

"I was thinking this summer," Velasquez told UFC Tonight. "But I would not fight him [Daniel Cormier].

"He's my coach, teammate and my friend."

Cormier is due to make his UFC debut against Frank Mir in April, amid reports that he will then drop down to light-heavyweight in order to avoid any potential future meeting with Velasquez.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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