Cain Velasquez releases statement on UFC departure, future with WWE

Cain Velasquez has bid a fond farewell to his past life and is eagerly embracing his new one.

On Monday, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion issued a statement on social media in which he addressed his departure from the promotion he’s called home since 2008. Velasquez, 37, is currently pursuing a career as a professional wrestler and he recently signed with World Wrestling Entertainment.

In his post, Velasquez thanks the UFC while mentioning his dream of winning the heavyweight title and says “it’s time for the next chapter.” He then goes on to explain that he has fully immersed himself in professional wrestling training and that he expects to become a champion in the WWE in the future.

See Velasquez’s full statement below.

To the UFC, my family, friends, and all the fans, thank you for the past 11 years. Thank you to all my coaches, teammates and agents. I am so blessed to have been able to have a career doing something I absolutely love. I knew from the time I was a junior in college I wanted to be a fighter and after graduating from college, I set off on my journey of becoming a fighter with the goal of being UFC Heavyweight champion. There are few people in this world that can say they have achieved what I have, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities and position I held being a part of the UFC. With my official retirement from the UFC, it’s time for the next chapter.

A year ago, when I went to my first WWE show, I fell back in love with a sport that I had watched and participated in since I was a child. From that moment, I have been doing a crash course on all things that relate to pro wrestling. I’ve been training at different gyms, going to shows and watching more matches then (sic) I would like to admit, but I can honestly say I eat, sleep and breath (sic) wrestling now. The contract is signed and I’m on my way to my next goal which is Universal Champion.

WWE Universe, thank you for welcoming me with open arms.