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In a surprising turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has found his way back home at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). After a tumultuous few years, marked by retirement, a stint in the WWE, and a legal battle, Velasquez is now taking on a new role as a coach at the renowned training facility.
Velasquez's last professional fight was in February 2019, where he faced off against Francis Ngannou and suffered a first-round knockout. Following the loss, he decided to retire from the sport. However, his retirement didn't keep him away from the limelight for long, as he ventured into the world of professional wrestling, making appearances in the WWE.
Despite the initial promise of a future with the company, Velasquez's WWE career never took off as expected, and he was eventually released in April 2020. The challenges continued for Velasquez when he faced legal troubles, including charges of attempted murder. The incident involved a confrontation with a man who had allegedly abused Velasquez's son. While Velasquez awaits his trial and the outcome of his civil case, there seems to be a silver lining on the horizon.
Javier Mendez, the esteemed coach at AKA, recently shared the news of Velasquez's return to the gym and his new role as a coach. Speaking in an interview with Helen Yee, Mendez expressed his excitement and revealed that fans can expect to see the former champion in the corners of fighters in the future.
This announcement has brought joy to many, especially Mendez, who is undoubtedly thrilled to have Velasquez back at AKA. As a decorated fighter with an impressive career, Velasquez's experience and knowledge will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the gym and the fighters who train there.
While Velasquez's coaching role signifies a shift in his career, it also serves as a beacon of hope for his fans. It demonstrates his determination to overcome the obstacles he has faced and find solace in a familiar environment. As Velasquez continues to await his legal proceedings, his involvement in coaching provides him with a productive outlet to share his expertise and passion for combat sports.
As the AKA community welcomes Cain Velasquez back into the fold, they eagerly anticipate the impact he will make as a coach. The story of his redemption and resilience serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, one can find a way to come back stronger than ever.
“Cain Velasquez will be in some fighters’ corners that he’s with,” Javier Mendez stated in the video. “He is a joy to have, he is an unbelievable coach. I’m blessed to have him there at AKA daily with the guys. He’s a huge motivator, he’s becoming great at speaking, speeches.”
He continued, “He’s becoming great at talking to the fighters, and the ins and the outs. How to think, how to be a champion, he’s fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better coach and friend than Cain Velasquez.”