Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has inked a deal with the newly formed Global Fight League, marking a significant return to the world of mixed martial arts. However, fans hoping to see the legendary fighter back in action might be disappointed, as Velasquez’s role in the organization will be strictly managerial.
Cain Velasquez is heading to the GFL pic.twitter.com/LPvv1OetuO
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 3, 2025
Cain Velasquez takes up the offer to be a manager at GFL
The GFL, set to debut in April 2025, is positioning itself as a revolutionary force in the MMA landscape. Unlike traditional promotions, the GFL is introducing a team-based format, complete with playoffs and a championship structure. This innovative approach has already attracted over 300 fighters, many of whom are recognizable names from major organizations such as the UFC, Bellator, and PFL.
The first global, team-based MMA league 🌍
We’re bringing fans closer to their favorite fighters and teams like never before 👊💥Learn more from the link in our bio 🔗#GFL #GlobalFightLeague #TeamMMA #FutureOfMMA #MMA #CombatSports pic.twitter.com/ZmiZW3E0xJ
— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) December 30, 2024
Velasquez, now 42, will be at the helm of one of the league’s teams, bringing his wealth of experience and tactical acumen to the role. In a move that speaks volumes about the strength of their long-standing relationship, Velasquez has tapped his former coach and mentor, Javier Mendez of the renowned American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), to serve as the head coach of his team.
The timing is an odd one for Velasquez
The timing of this announcement is particularly intriguing, given Velasquez’s ongoing legal situation. The former champion is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on January 24, 2025, coinciding with the GFL’s planned draft day. Velasquez faces charges including attempted murder, stemming from a February 2022 incident involving a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s young daughter.
Despite the legal cloud hanging over him, Velasquez’s involvement with the GFL signals a potential new chapter in his career. His transition from fighter to manager aligns with recent reports of his growing influence as a coach at AKA. Javier Mendez has praised Velasquez’s coaching abilities, describing him as an “unbelievable coach” and a “huge motivator”.
The GFL’s acquisition of Velasquez is part of a larger strategy to bring star power to the fledgling organization. Other notable signings include Paige VanZant, Tyron Woodley, and Luke Rockhold. The league’s promise of equitable revenue sharing and benefits such as health insurance and pension funds has apparently been a strong draw for fighters.
Velasquez’s last appearance in the octagon was a first-round knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. Since then, he had briefly ventured into professional wrestling before his legal troubles began. This new role with the GFL offers Velasquez a way to remain connected to the sport which made him a household name among MMA fans.
As the GFL prepares for its April launch, all eyes will be on Velasquez and his team. The former champion’s tactical brilliance and deep understanding of the sport could prove invaluable in this new team-based format. Moreover, his involvement lends credibility to the upstart league, potentially attracting more high-profile names to the organization.
The MMA world will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds for both Cain Velasquez and the Global Fight League. With its innovative format and the star power of figures like Velasquez, the GFL could potentially shake up the MMA landscape in 2025 and beyond.
