Cain Velasquez apologizes for UFC 196 withdrawal
Cain Velasquez is apologizing after being forced to withdraw from a heavyweight title bout at UFC 196 against Fabricio Werdum.
Velasquez released a statement on his official Facebook page, indicating he's suffering from a back injury he "can't ignore" due to the long-term health risks fighting through the injury at the Feb. 6 event could cause.
The full statement can be read below:
I'm sure you've heard the news that I won't be able to fight at UFC 196. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am and how I feel I'm letting you all down. I've heard and read all of your messages of support since my last fight and during this camp and for that I thank you.
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. We thought we'd get through it, but we had to face the truth that it wasn't going to be OK in time to fight. All of us fighters have all fought injured at one time or another, but I can't ignore this injury, as my doctor has indicated that not addressing the problems with my sciatic nerve could have longer-term consequences.
My fans deserve to see me compete as close to 100% as possible. I'm committed to giving them that. I'm not going to let my fans down, and I want to make sure I do the right things to ensure a long career.
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.
I will get this taken care of as soon as possible. I will heal and will come back and show you the Cain Velasquez you all deserve to see.
Sincerely,
Cain
The former heavyweight champion, who won the belt after a vicious TKO of Brock Lesnar at UFC 121, has only been able to fight three times in the last three years with injuries derailing a once sterling career.