In the unforgiving world of combat sports, few questions spark as much fervent debate as “what if?” Recently, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier revisited one such hypothetical, reigniting the discussion around his longtime training partner, Cain Velasquez.
Cormier`s Unwavering Endorsement
Daniel Cormier, a man intimately familiar with the demands of elite-level mixed martial arts, offers a perspective few others can. Having shared countless training sessions and cornered Velasquez through multiple championship bouts at the famed American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), Cormier`s assessment carries significant weight. His recent statement was unequivocal: “If he hadn’t had all those injuries, he would undoubtedly have been the greatest heavyweight of all time. No one could beat him.” This isn`t mere locker-room hyperbole; it`s a declaration rooted in direct observation of a truly unique talent.
The Velasquez Phenomenon: A Unique Blend of Power and Stamina
At his peak, Cain Velasquez was a force of nature, a fighter unlike any the UFC heavyweight division had seen. While many heavyweights rely solely on one-punch knockout power, Velasquez combined Olympic-level wrestling with relentless pressure and an almost otherworldly gas tank. His strategy was simple yet devastating: overwhelm opponents with an incessant barrage of strikes, takedowns, and ground-and-pound, maintaining a pace that would exhaust even lighter fighters. He transformed the heavyweight division from a realm of slow, powerful giants into a high-octane endurance test. Opponents often appeared broken, not just physically but mentally, by the second or third round.
His technical arsenal was vast. Pinpoint boxing, powerful leg kicks, and an unparalleled ability to chain wrestling sequences together made him incredibly difficult to prepare for. His fights were often clinics in controlled aggression, turning his opponents` strengths into their weaknesses. He defeated legends like Brock Lesnar and Junior dos Santos, often making them look pedestrian in the process.
The Cruel Hand of Fate: A Career Defined by Interruption
However, the narrative of Cain Velasquez`s career is inextricably linked with a series of debilitating injuries. From shoulders and knees to back issues, his body, ironically, became his most formidable opponent. Just as he would build momentum, a new ailment would force him to the sidelines, often for extended periods. This constant cycle of dominance followed by prolonged layoffs prevented him from truly cementing a long, uninterrupted reign as champion, a hallmark of many “greatest of all time” contenders.
It`s a bitter twist of fate that an athlete who trained with such intensity, whose cardiovascular fitness was the envy of the entire sport, would be so consistently undermined by physical fragility. One might even argue a certain irony: the very ferocity and relentless style that made him so effective in the cage may have contributed to the wear and tear on his joints and ligaments.
The `What If`: Imagining an Unbroken Reign
Cormier`s statement compels us to consider the “what if.” What if Velasquez had enjoyed the same injury-free longevity as some of his peers? Would he have amassed an untouchable number of title defenses? Would his name be mentioned without hesitation in the same breath as Fedor Emelianenko, Stipe Miocic, or Jon Jones when discussing the all-time greats? Cormier, who saw Velasquez daily in peak condition, certainly believes so.
An injury-free Velasquez could have been a true generational talent, a heavyweight king who reigned supreme for years, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for men of his size. The fights we missed, the records left unbroken, stand as poignant reminders of potential unfulfilled by circumstance rather than skill.
Cain Velasquez`s Enduring Legacy
Despite the injuries, Velasquez`s legacy remains potent. He demonstrated what was possible when a heavyweight combined technical precision with an unparalleled work rate. He inspired a generation of fighters and earned the respect of virtually every competitor he faced. His two reigns as UFC Heavyweight Champion, though punctuated by absence, showcased a level of dominance that few have ever replicated.
Daniel Cormier`s recent comments don`t just spark a debate; they serve as a powerful testament to a fighter whose brilliance was undeniable, even if his body couldn`t always keep pace with his ambition. Cain Velasquez may not have the most extensive record or the longest title reign, but for many, including those who knew him best, he remains the ultimate “what if” – a champion who gave us a glimpse of what truly could have been the greatest heavyweight career in history.
Felix Harwood 
Tristan Blackwood