Cain Velasquez undergoes successful surgery, eyes summer return

Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is making progress from his latest setback.

MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani reported on Wednesday's edition of UFC Tonight that Velasquez recently underwent back surgery. Sources say the procedure went well and he's got an eye on his return to the Octagon.

While Velasquez (13-2) has been a killer in the Octagon over the course of his career, the American Kickboxing Academy standout has been known as much for his injury woes as for his success in the cage. The 33-year-old has endured long absences due to shoulder and knee woes before having to pull out of a planned Feb. 6 rematch with current champion Fabricio Werdum due to back issues.

According to sources, Velasquez hopes to return to action by July, though he does not yet have an opponent in mind.