Velasquez to create history against Lesnar at UFC 121

Cain Velasquez will attempt to create history at UFC 121 by becoming the first Mexican American heavyweight champion in the UFC.

Velasquez's heavyweight title shot at Brock Lesnar has been officially confirmed for October 23 at the Honda Center in California. The fight will be Lesnar's third title defence after victories over Frank Mir and Shane Carwin, while Velasquez will be looking to add to his undefeated 8-0 record.

"Throughout fighting history, there has never been a Mexican heavyweight champion, but at UFC 121, Cain Velasquez will try to make history and become the first," said UFC president Dana White. "To do that though, he must defeat the baddest man on the planet, UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar."

Lesnar, who has questions to answer after being outclassed in the stand-up before eventually submitting Shane Carwin, admits he respects Velasquez's ability but warned the AKA man to prepare for the first beating of his career.

"After the long lay-off, my last fight was just an appetizer, I'm still hungry. I'm in great condition and the timing couldn't be better," said the champion. "Cain Velasquez is undefeated and he's the legitimate No. 1 contender, but he's not the guy that is going to take my UFC heavyweight title. It's not his time; it's my time.

"I'm coming to California to defend my crown, and on October 23rd, I'll be walking out of the Octagon with my hand raised and the belt around my waist. Cain will be leaving with his first loss. It's as simple as that."

The night's co-main event will feature the debut of Jake Shields, who arrives in the UFC riding a 14-fight win streak that took him to the Strikeforce title. His opponent is Martin Kampmann, who goes looking for his third consecutive triumph after wins over Jacob Volkmann and Paulo Thiago. Shields is widely expected to be handed the next title shot if he proves himself against "The Hitman".

Elsewhere, Diego Sanchez will fight Paulo Thiago at welterweight, Matt Hamill meets his TUF coach Tito Ortiz, and Gabriel Gonzaga will be handed the test of Brendan Schaub.

Source: espn.co.uk

UFC 121 MAIN CARD

• Champ Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez (for heavyweight title)
• Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Shields
• Diego Sanchez vs. Paulo Thiago
• Matt Hamill vs. Tito Ortiz
• Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Brendan Schaub