Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez made his WWE in-ring debut at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.
Velasquez, who signed a multi-year deal with the WWE, challenged Brock Lesnar for the WWE title.
The bout served as a rematch years in the making. Back when both were in the UFC, Velasquez bested Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight title.
It’s finally happening.@BrockLesnar and @cainmma are striking up a storm at #WWECrownJewel! @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/PcX3TC2wnH
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2019
This time, though, it was Lesnar coming out on top. “The Beast Incarnate” scored a convincing submission victory in the bout, retaining his title.
After the match, Velasquez was viciously attacked by Lesnar with a chair.
.@BrockLesnar retained the #WWEChampionship following an intense battle with @cainmma at #WWECrownJewel, but @reymysterio was out for PAYBACK on the Conqueror! https://t.co/YGgmI7j98Q pic.twitter.com/1cWaBLO6g4
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2019
Lesnar also continued his attack on Rey Mysterio, who tried to help Velasquez.
The #MasterOfThe619 @reymysterio VOWS that he is NOT done with @BrockLesnar! #WWECrownJewel pic.twitter.com/kdjcD2VJvN
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 31, 2019
Velasquez worked a few AAA Lucha Libre shows before being offered by the WWE. He is expected to undergo surgery in the coming months on his knee.
La familia Latina unida. #CrownJewel @WWE pic.twitter.com/fyKIKa8U2P
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) October 31, 2019
The MMA Career Of Cain Velasquez
The 37-year-old Velasquez battled injuries that kept him sidelined for much of his UFC career. After nearly three years on the sidelines, he returned this past February.
Velasquez, though, was knocked out by Francis Ngannou in the main event of an ESPN card. He is currently 14-3 in MMA including wins over Travis Browne, Junior dos Santos and Lesnar.
His first title reign came in 2010 with a first round victory over Lesnar at UFC 121. Dos Santos, though, won the belt in the first event on FOX for the UFC with a finish in 64 seconds.
Velasquez would rebound to win four in a row, including a rematch with dos Santos in 2012 via decision. He also defended the title twice, besting both Antonio Silva and dos Santos.
In 2015, Fabricio Werdum scored a third round submission victory over Velasquez, ending his second title reign.
Records Held By Velasquez In The UFC
Velasquez owns several UFC records including most knockout wins in the heavyweight division and most takedowns in the heavyweight ranks. His 1,464 strikes landed are also the most in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
Prior to getting his start in MMA, Velasquez was a junior college national champion wrestler for Iowa Central in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He also earned two All-American honors while competing for Arizona State University.