Cain Velasquez Offered a Multi-Fight Contract, Two Big Fights Could Be Waiting

The sentencing of former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to five years in prison has ignited a wave of reactions across the MMA community. The news has drawn significant attention, particularly from a certain promotional company looking to make a move. While fans largely empathize with Velasquez, understanding the emotional turmoil that led to his actions, there's also an acknowledgment of the risks he posed. Regardless, a growing number of professional fighters and fans have publicly shown their support, advocating for his release. This overwhelming sentiment has now reached an unexpected destination—a combat sports promotion that appears to be ready to capitalize on the controversy.

Dirty Boxing, a rising combat sports league recently announced via its official X account that it has offered Velasquez a multi-fight contract. Co-founded by professional fighter Mike Perry and entrepreneur Josh McLean, the promotion has been making waves in the combat sports world, with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and First Round Management CEO Malki Kawa joining as co-owners. The organization wasted no time aligning itself with Velasquez, displaying solidarity with the hashtag #FreeCain. However, fan reactions were mixed. Many were quick to point out that Velasquez's strengths have always been rooted in wrestling rather than striking—an essential skill in the promotion's format. Some fans dismissed the move entirely, with comments like, 'Imagine trying to make headlines off his imprisonment, what is this?' and 'He was a wrestler.'