Cain Velasquez's return to the Octagon didn't go the way he planned or anyone imagined it would. In his first fight since July 2016 (UFC 200), Velasquez entered his UFC on ESPN main event fight against heavyweight slugger Francis Ngannou UFC with a ton of anticipation and hype. It ended almost immediately.
The former heavyweight champion went for an early grapple. Ngannou avoided successfully avoided the takedown and landed some powerful blows. Continuing the charge, Velasquez went low for another takedown, but appeared to slip with his knees bending awkwardly.
Ngannou quickly took advantage of the situation and engaged in the ground-and-pound as Velasquez, clearly in pain from the knee, turtled up. Noticing something was wrong, the ref quickly stepped in and called it a TKO victory for Francis Ngannou.
Both fighters were respectful in their post-fight interviews. Velasquez, frustrated by the injury, gave Ngannou props for his win and repeatedly apologized to fans.
Here's hoping the injury to Velasquez's knee isn't as serious as it looked and that he has a speedy recovery.