dos Santos (photo via UFC.com)

Velasquez Says “The Fighter in Me” Reason Why He Fought dos Santos Injured

By FCF Staff

With UFC 155 just ten days away, the promotion held a media call today to continue hyping the card, which will feature heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos taking on former champ Cain Velasquez in the main event.

Of course, the bout will be a rematch, as dos Santos ended the reign of Velasquez last November by knocking out the highly regarded fighter at the first UFC on FOX card.

Here were some of the highlights from today’s media call, which was attended by the two main event competitors.

When asked why he fought Junior dos Santos the first time around, considering he had a knee injury, Velasquez cited “the fighter in me” as the reason why. Velasquez proceeded to admit that it may have not been the best decision.

Velasquez added that “I just have to fight my fight” and that there’s no added pressure, when asked if he’s concerned about the fact that he may not receive a third crack at dos Santos if he loses again.

Dos Santos relayed that he had an injury as well when he fought Velasquez the first time, when asked if the revelation that Velasquez was injured takes away from the win.

Velasquez said ‘I’m not thinking about that”, but conceded he would be very interested in fighting in Mexico City if the UFC heads there.

Dos Santos said he has the “same game plan” for the rematch, but added that he believes Velasquez will be “hungrier”, more “aggressive” and that he thinks the former champ will look to take him down and use his ground-and-pound.

The reigning champ said that although the first fight “was very fast”, he learned some things from the bout, and that he believes the rematch will be a longer match.

Dos Santos also admitted that he’s very “confident” when asked if he believes he can KO Velasquez again.

Velasquez said “it wasn’t really a burden” while discussing the coverage their initial bout received, due to the fact it headlined the first UFC on FOX card.

Dos Santos added that he’s “feeling less pressure” for this fight, due to a knee injury he incurred ten days before their first encounter, and that he’s “100% healthy” for UFC 155.

When asked if he may be revealing too much, in terms of his strategy to be more aggressive in the rematch, Velasquez said he didn’t think so and that he plans on fighting his fight.

Dos Santos, who recently was awarded his BJJ Black Belt, said he’s confident in his submission skills if Velasquez attempts to take him down and hold him down.

Dos Santos noted that Velasquez doesn’t trash talk, he’s a professional and he knows how hard the former champ trains.

Velasquez also relayed that he respects dos Santos for not trash talking as well as his abilities.

Dos Santos added that Velasquez “deserves” to be fighting for the title again, approximately one year after the two met for the first time. The Brazilian also said that “I’m very motivated for this fight.”

The champion also noted that he prefers to fight “clean” and “professional” fighters, and that he and Velasquez are “made in the gym” rather than the “laboratory.”

Velasquez credited dos Santos for being “very quick” and powerful, when asked whether he had a lapse in concentration during their first meeting.

Dos Santos relayed that “I have to be careful” in dealing with the wrestling abilities of Velasquez, before adding that “I think I’m going to knock him out again.”

The champion credited “faith” and “hard work” for the success that he’s had.