When tomorrow night's UFC 180 goes down in Mexico City, it will feature Fabricio Werdum facing off against Mark Hunt. However, the title bout is really just for an interim belt, as Hunt became a late entry replacement for defending champion Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez hasn't fought in over a year (his last foray into the Octagon was in October 2013), and an MCL injury has left him hobbled on crutches. However, Velasquez will need to get healthy soon if he has any interest in keeping his title distinction, according to UFC president Dana White.
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"We're headed in that direction now," White said on UFC, referring to Velasquez's injury. "This next fight in Mexico is for the interim title. So if Cain couldn't compete again, the winner of this fight would be seen as the champion."
There had been some rumblings throughout the mixed martial arts world that Velasquez's injury might not be all he's made it out to be, but would-be opponent Fabricio Werdum said he gives those rumors no mind.
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"I'd been preparing for the last two months in Mexico to face Cain, but these things happen," he said in an interview with MMA Junkie. "Injuries are very common since we train so hard. Many people claim that Cain was not hurt. I believe he is hurt. He always demonstrated that he fights very well and that he's unafraid. Cain likes to fight. So his injury is for real. I wish him a great recovery."
Werdum also insisted that Velasquez's absence doesn't mean UFC 180 won't entertain.
"Mark Hunt and I will put on a great show, especially since he enjoys fighting too," he said. "It will be a great fight, without a doubt."
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