Cain Velasquez's next fight will be tough for challenger Fabricio Werdum according to former title contender Junior Dos Santos. "JDS" also believes that the champion's injury lay-off will be an advantage for the challenger.
Cain Velasquez's next fight will be scheduled for November 15th at UFC 180, as the company makes its debut event in Mexico City, which happens to be the champion's hometown. Velasquez will be defending his title for the third time since winning it back in December 2012.
But according to former title contender Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum will have a tough time as he prepares for Cain Velasquez's next fight.
"As a Brazilian, I will root for Werdum to bring the UFC title back to Brazil, but he has a difficult task ahead of him," Dos Santos said in an interview with MMA Fighting.
"Velasquez is an impressive fighter with a great cardio, but I know Werdum is training really hard for that. He stands a chance, yes. If he fights like he did the last time, he has a good chance at winning," he added.
"JDS" is always in familiar territory when talking about Cain Velasquez, as the former heavyweight champion has faced the current title-holder three times already. But in support to his fellow Brazilian, Dos Santos is confident about "Vai Carvalo's" chances, given the latter's last performance.
"Werdum's last performance was impressive," dos Santos continued. "I've never seen him fight so well like he did against Browne. He got a big win and earned a shot at the title."
Cain Velasquez's last performance, on the other hand, saw him dominate the ring, but it will be more than a year since his last fight once he faces Fabricio Werdum. Velasquez was forced to the sidelines due to an injury.
For "JDS", however, the champion's long lay-off from fighting may work towards the challenger's advantage.
"I think it might help Werdum," Dos Santos said, "but it doesn't happen very often these days because the level of training in the gym is so high now, so you can get ready for a fight even if you haven't fought in a while. I think it won't be an issue for Velasquez, but can be good for Werdum."
