Cain Velasquez wanted to get back into the winner's circle after losing his UFC heavyweight title to Fabricio Werdum. Velasquez did that and made a definitive statement, defeating Travis Browne by TKO on Saturday at the 4:57 mark of the first round.
"My timing was off a little bit," Velasquez told Joe Rogan. "I want to fight the best guys. I want to fight for the title."
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The first round began with Velasquez trying to pressure Browne, but Browne landed a clean, straight hand. Velasquez tried to take Browne down and force him into the clinch against the cage, but was unsuccessful. Velasquez kept constant pressure on Browne, connecting on a high wheel kick and connecting on a combination to send Browne to the mat. With about two minutes left in the round, Velasquez knocked Browne down again and landed a series of shots.
Browne got up but Velasquez kept going right at Browne, landing another high wheel kick and knocking Browne down with a right hand. Velasquez then got Browne's back and went to work. Sensing the round coming to a close, Velasquez took connected on a series of heavy shots until referee John McCarthy decided Browne had enough.
Steven Muehlhausen is an MMA and boxing writer and contributor for Sporting News. You can find his podcast, The Fight Club Chicago , and subscribe on iTunes . You can email him at [email protected] and can find him on Twitter @SMuehlhausenMMA .