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Cain Velasquez-Fabricio Werdum to headline UFC 188 in Mexico City

Cain Velasquez-Fabricio Werdum to headline UFC 188 in Mexico City

Heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, who has not fought since routing Junior dos Santos on Oct. 19, 2013, will defend his belt against interim title-holder Fabricio Werdum on June 13 in Mexico City in the main event of UFC 188, the UFC announced Monday.

Velasquez was supposed to meet Werdum at UFC 180 on Nov. 15, but pulled out of the bout on Oct. 21 because of an injured right knee. Prior to that, Velasquez had shoulder surgery. By fight night, he'll have fought just once in more than two years.

Fabricio Werdum celebrates after knocking out Mark Hunt at UFC 180 to win the interim heavyweight title. (Getty Images)
Fabricio Werdum celebrates after knocking out Mark Hunt at UFC 180 to win the interim heavyweight title. (Getty Images)

With Velasquez out, the UFC made a bout between Werdum and Mark Hunt for the interim title at UFC 180 in Mexico City. Werdum survived an early Hunt onslaught and ended the bout in the second round when he caught Hunt with a perfectly placed knee to the chin.

The UFC had held off going to Mexico City for a long time because it wanted Velasquez to be in the main event. And after coaching The Ultimate Fighter Latin America against Werdum, there was legitimate excitement among Mexican fans about seeing Velasquez, a first generation Mexican-American, fighting in the headline bout.

It was evident by the way Velasquez was mobbed during the event when he was cageside to watch Werdum stop Hunt.

Werdum led what turned out to be a very successful event, and now will get the chance to meet for the true belt in the spot where he had one of his most significant wins.