• UFC

Velasquez to be back 'sooner than later' after surgery

ESPN staff
January 13, 2011
Cain Velasquez has been tipped for a long stay at the top of the UFC heavyweight division © Getty Images
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Cain Velasquez will soon be back ruling the UFC heavyweight division following shoulder surgery, that is the prediction of former wrestling team-mate Ryan Bader.

Velasquez had surgery on a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder on Thursday, and according to his management at Zinkin Entertainment, the operation "went really well". It is expected that he could be sidelined for eight months in order to ensure a complete recovery.

As a result, the UFC has plunged No. 1 heavyweight contender Junior Dos Santos into a TUF 13 coaching role that will eventually see him fight Brock Lesnar. Dos Santos has been praised by president Dana White for choosing not to sit around and await Velasquez's comeback.

However Bader, who was a college team-mate of Velasquez, insists any predicted recovery period can be shaved by around two months, such is the work-rate of the Mexican-American.

"He has a really strong work ethic, and if they've said six to eight months, you can guarantee he'll be back two months before that. His mentality, he'll put so much work into rehab. You'll see him back sooner rather than later," Bader told ESPN.

Taking a glance into the future, Bader warned the UFC's heavyweight division that Velasquez has the talent to rule for a number of years.

"Cain has a unique skill set and at heavyweight he is never going to get tired. He has got great stand-up and great wrestling, and he's so hard to beat. He just wears on guys. He's very technical and he can go five rounds no problem. I see him keeping that title for a long time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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