| Cain Velasquez targeted for Dec. 10 UFC event, could fight Mustafa Al-Turk |
UFC heavyweight prospect Cain Velazquez (4-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has been targeted for a Dec. 10 return and is expected to be on the televised main card of the "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fights for the Troops" event.
The UFC has yet to announce his participation, and though bout agreements are not in place, Cage Rage British heavyweight champion and recent UFC signee Mustafa Al-Turk (6-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) could be his opponent.
Sources close to the event and Al-Turk told MMA Junkieof the possibility over the weekend.
The recently announced UFC Fight Night 16 event takes place at the Fort Bragg Military Base in North Carolina and airs live on Spike TV. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides support for severely wounded military personnel and veterans and the families of military personnel lost in service.
Velazquez, a former Arizona State University All-American and the 2005 Pac-10 wrestler of the year, made his UFC debut after just two professional fights. However, those two contests built the 26-year-old a strong reputation, and he had trouble securing fights. Since joining the UFC, he’s posted two quick first-round TKOs of Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien.
A source close to the event said that Velasquez will likely be on the televised main card so that fans can get a glimpse of the UFC’s highly touted prospect, who’s already garnered strong praise from UFC officials.
Al-Turk, meanwhile, is 6-1 in his past seven fights — all of which came in the U.K.-based Cage Rage organization — which included a February 2007 victory over Mark Kerr. He picked up the organization’s vacant heavyweight title after defeating James McSweeney back in July.
Five of Al-Turk’s six victories have come via knockout or submission due to strikes — all in the first round.
As MMA Junkie previously reported, UFC Fight Night 16 is also expected to include a Dale Hartt vs. Corey Hill fight. Additionally, top welterweight contender Josh Koscheck and Rich Clementi (assuming he’s cleared to fight after his UFC 90 bout with Gray Maynard) could also appear on the card.
| " | The UFC has yet to announce his participation |
