Cain Velasquez reportedly books first match since prison release against a fellow ex-UFC champion

Cain Velasquez is apparently set to compete again.

The former UFC heavyweight champion has not fought in any form since February 2019, when Velasquez was knocked out by Francis Ngannou just 26 seconds into their main event.

Since then, the 44-year-old has had a stint behind bars after being sentenced for a shooting in 2022. Having been handed a five-year prison sentence, minus time served, following a no contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault and weapons charges, Velasquez was released this past February.

Months later, the UFC legend is reportedly in line to make his competitive combat sports return on the wrestling mats.

Velasquez was released from jail this year after being incarcerated for shooting at the car of a man accused of molesting his son and striking his father instead.

Some were making bold claims regarding a potential mixed martial arts return for the Californian, who is widely regarded as the skill-for-skill best heavyweight ever seen inside the Octagon.

Injuries prevented Velasquez from achieving the greatness he was widely tipped for during his career, but the 44-year-old might be physically fit enough to wrestle.

According to Red Corner MMA, Velasquez will face off against a fellow former UFC heavyweight champion in Frank Mir at an AIGA event in California this November.

The pair even recently faced off to promote the clash, which would take place 14 years after their planned showdown inside the Octagon failed to materialize.

Whether that bout actually happens remains to be seen. Many fans have pointed out that the two heavyweight legends do not look in fighting shape, and some are theorizing that talk of their bout is simply for promotional reasons.

Cain Velasquez and Frank Mir face off at AIGA Global wrestling event. Two heavyweight legends will face each other in a wrestling match at AIGA’s event in California this November.

How do you see this one playing out?

Velasquez knocked out Brock Lesnar in 2010 to become UFC champ for the first time. After being unseated by Junior dos Santos, the AKA standout later got his revenge on the Brazilian to regain the crown.

Mir also toppled ‘The Beast Incarnate’, a shock 2008 result that came four years on from his title win over Tim Sylvia.

After becoming an interim heavyweight titleholder, Mir failed in two shots to become a two-time undisputed king against Lesnar and Dos Santos.

Since his last MMA fight under the Bellator banner in 2019, Mir has lost in his professional boxing debut and in a Triad Combat bout.