Cain Velasquez dominated Denis Stojnic Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Tampa, running his UFC record to 3-0 and his MMA record to 5-0. But for all the talent Velasquez has, he showed in beating Stojnic that he still has work to do before he's the heavyweight title contender that many UFC fans think he'll become.Velasquez, a former Arizona State wrestler, did his best to show his stand-up skills, but despite taking control of his fight with Stojnic from the outset, Velasquez didn't finish his overmatched opponent as quickly as he could have.
Velasquez had won each of his previous four fights by first-round TKO, but this time it took until the 2:34 mark of the second round before he used his ground and pound to earn the TKO.
"I'm sorry for that," Velasquez said." I could have finished him a lot better. I didn't."
There have been suggestions that Velasquez could be ready to fight for the UFC heavyweight belt this year, but I think he needs at least two more wins -- and against better opponents than Stojnic -- before anyone could seriously consider him as a potential opponent for Brock Lesnar or Frank Mir. Asked who he'll fight next, Velasquez said he he's ready for any challenge.
"Whatever the UFC gives me," Velasquez said. "I swear next time you'll see a better showing."
UFC Photos
Eric Schafer from Wisconsin, USA, right, defeats Brazil's Antonio Mendes, center, in the Light Heavyweight bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship event, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Martin Kampmann from Nevada, USA, left, lands a kick on Brazil's Alexandre Barros, right, in the Welterweight bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship event, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Eric Schafer from Wisconsin, USA, foreground, reacts after defeating Brazil's Antonio Mendes, bottom center, in the Light Heavyweight bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship event, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Jeremy Horn from Utah, USA, top, competes with Brazil's Rousimar Palhares, bottom, during the Middleweight bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Dennis Silver, left, from Germany fights against Nate Moher of Illinois, USA, during the Lightweight bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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Mike Wehrs, MMA President & CEO (Photo: Business Wire)
BUSINESS WIRE
LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 10: UFC fighters CB Dolloway (L) and Ryan Bader arrive at the 26th annual Adult Video News Awards Show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center January 10, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** CB Dolloway;Ryan Bader
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Recording artist Pink attends UFC 92, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Wanderlei Silva begins to fall after a knock out punch by Quinton Jackson, right, during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Quinton Jackson celebrates his first round KO over victory over Wanderlei Silva during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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