Prior to facing Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188 in Mexico City, Cain Velasquez had been out of action for almost two years. As much as Velasquez is celebrated for his world-class fighting ability, the Mexican-American is also renowned for his injury troubles.
Cain was originally set to take on Werdum in 2014, but was forced withdraw after suffering a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his right knee.
When the fight eventually took place, Werdum battered the former NCAA Division I wrestler before locking up a guillotine choke in the third round, marking the second time Velasquez had lost the heavyweight title.
When speaking to UFC.com on Monday, Velasquez admitted to a lack of preparation for the high altitude of Mexico City, but claims he's learned from the mistake.
"I should have prepared better, but I didn't, so as far as that, it is what it is," Cain said. "It was my first time fighting in that kind of altitude, so you learn from it and you move on. That's pretty much it. For next time, if that ever happens again, I know what I have to do."
The 33-year-old also vows to become a more active fighter in the future.
"As far as being more active, yeah, I'd like to be more active. As far as injuries, yeah, I would like to not have any injuries at all - I would love that too," Velasquez laughed. "As far as that stuff and the future, no, I don't (think about it at all). I just take my stuff day-by-day and as far as what my legacy is later, obviously that's for the people to decide. The only thing I can do is give it my all when I go out there and fight and that's pretty much it."
Velasquez will have a chance to redeem himself and reclaim the heavyweight championship when he faces Werdum in an immediate rematch at an upcoming UFC event.