Cain Velasquez Says Return to Fighting Depends on Pay

Cain Velasquez said he remains open to a return to fighting but only if the compensation is sufficiently high. Speaking to longtime teammate Josh Thomson, Velasquez stated there is no specific opponent on his wishlist and that the money would have to be "really damn good" for him to compete again.

Velasquez last fought in February 2019, when Francis Ngannou defeated him in 26 seconds. He was arrested in 2022 following a shooting incident, pleaded no contest to attempted murder and assault with a firearm in late 2024, and received credit for more than 1,200 days served before his release earlier this year.

When Thomson raised the possibility of a bout with Fedor Emelianenko, Velasquez reiterated that payment would need to be high enough to change his current preference against returning. He added that he now has other interests outside the sport.

Velasquez is a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Promotions including MVP MMA and the UFC have not publicly indicated whether they would meet the financial terms he described. com on May 29, 2026.