Heavyweight rematch inevitable

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David Becker / the associated press archives Cain Velasquez thunders a fist into the jaw of Junior dos Santos during their UFC 155 fight. (CP)

Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos (15-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) readily admits Cain Velasquez (11-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was the better man at UFC 155. That said, the Brazilian slugger wants another chance to prove he's a better fighter than what he showed in the decision loss.

"I was very disappointed with myself because I couldn't follow my strategy and do what I used to do," dos Santos told MMAjunkie.com Radio. "All the time, I attack. All my fights, I hurt my hands. This fight I got my face hurt. That's very different, but it's part of the sport.

"I can't wait to come back and fight again. I want to fight with him again. I won a fight. He won the other one. Now we have to have the third fight, the rematch. I'm sure everybody wants to know who is the real best. For now, he is the best, but I know people will want to see this fight again, and I can't wait."

Velasquez and dos Santos first met in November 2011, when the Brazilian needed just 64 seconds to score a knockout finish and claim the UFC's heavyweight title. However, in the rematch this past weekend, Velasquez turned in one of the most impressive performances of his career as he dominated dos Santos for 25 minutes en route to landing an incredible 210 strikes and attempting 33 takedowns, according to a FightMetric report.

The former champ admits it was a heartbreaking evening but one that provided valuable lessons in terms of mental focus and opening up with an aggressive attack.

"I'm feeling way better, but I can tell you I'm really sad," dos Santos admitted. "I can't wait to fight him. I know I have a lot more to show for the fans, and I think the fans know that.

"I didn't fight. I don't know why. If you watch the fight -- I've watched the fight three times already -- I didn't fight. I just defended myself. I don't know why. I don't know what happened to me. For sure, it was a learning experience."

Following the loss, a dejected dos Santos was taken to a local hospital to examine his badly swollen face. He was quickly released when it was determined there were no serious injuries, and he now wants to get back in the cage as quickly as possible.

"I had no injuries," dos Santos said. "For sure, I got my face swollen a lot, but I didn't get injured. I was feeling OK. What I got hurt was my heart. I was feeling very sad because I couldn't show what I was prepared to show.

"I think the fans would love to see this rematch right now. I would love to have this rematch right now. I don't know if it's possible or if Cain Velasquez is going to accept it, but I would love it."

At UFC 155's post-event press conference, UFC President Dana White suggested that wasn't likely and instead said that Alistair Overeem was likely next for Velasquez if the "Demolition Man" defeats Antonio Silva at February's UFC 156 event. Dos Santos said he understands if he has to wait his turn, but he'd prefer the UFC book the rubber match right away.

"I know this rematch is going to happen. But if it happens as soon as possible, that's better. I know they have Alistair Overeem in line, so I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm here," he said.

At just 28 years old, dos Santos and the 30-year-old Velasquez appear destined for multiple clashes. A trilogy fight seems nearly inevitable at this point, and as the apparent class of the heavyweight division, the two could perhaps eventually have a four- or even five-bout series.

In short, the Brazilian and the Mexican could eventually provide one of the sport's most historic rivalries.

-- USA Today

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 6, 2013 B13