Former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (13-2) has been forced to withdraw from Saturday’s UFC 196 main event with a back injury.
Fighting out of AKA Gym in San Jose, Velasquez was slated to face current champion Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1) in a rematch of their UFC 188 title bout in Mexico City.
“I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am and how I feel I'm letting you all down” said Velasquez, via his Facebook page. “Training camp has been difficult for the last few weeks, but sometimes no matter how much the heart and mind want to fight through an injury, healing has its own timeline.
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"Fabricio, I hope that you accept my sincere apology. I understand how you may think this is an excuse. From one professional to another, I can tell you I was committed and looking forward to competing with you again. I greatly respect you as a fighter and man, and we will meet soon.”
In their first bout, Werdum dethroned Velasquez with a 3rd round guillotine choke submission. Stipe Miocic (14-2) will replace Velasquez in the main event.