Cain Velasquez Set For Fight In Mexico, UFC On FOX "Road To The Octagon," Jake Shields Update
- The UFC returns to FOX Saturday night with UFC on FOX 11: Werdum vs. Browne. The main event features heavyweight contenders Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne, with the winner expected to be crowned the No. 1 contender.
In the video above, you can get prepared for all of the main card fights by watching "Road to the Octagon." The episode spotlights Werdum, Browne, Miesha Tate, Liz Carmouche, Donald Cerrone, Edson Barboza, Brad Tavares and Yoel Romero.
- One of the more important news items to come out of a pre-fight press conference Thursday was that UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is scheduled to compete next in Mexico. Velasquez is expected to face the winner of Saturday's Fabricio Werdum-Travis Browne fight.
Velasquez (13-1) was born to Mexican parents who migrated to the U.S. illegally. He has won each of his last four fights, including victories over former champion Junior dos Santos and Antonio Silva last year. However, he was forced to the operating room after suffering a shoulder injury vs. dos Santos.
"As long as Cain's recovery is on course, the fight will be in Mexico," said UFC president Dana White. The UFC is planning a season of The Ultimate Fighter from Mexico later this year.
- Jake Shields has confirmed that he is headed to the World Series of Fighting. Shields, a former Strikeforce champion, was released by the UFC earlier this year.
Shields (29-7-1) told Bleacher Report that he has signed a deal with the promotion, which airs cards on NBC Sports Network and is expected to broadcast an event later this year on NBC. Shields was released after falling to Hector Lombard, despite the fact that he had been unbeaten in his previous four.
"I am very excited to be fighting for the World Series of Fighting. They have one of if not the best welterweight divisions in the world and I look forward to fighting great fighters like Jon Fitch, Rousimar Palhares, Josh Burkman, Gerald Harris and more," Shields said in a statement. "I also believe I will now be in an environment where fighters are embraced which will allow my performance at my very best! My first fight for WSOF will be soon so stay turned. My thanks to the MMA community and fans for all the love and support."
WSOF executive Ali Abdelaziz denied the report, saying "deal not done yet" on Twitter after the story was first published. No update yet on the situation from the promotion.