By Darnell Myrick

Yesterday night, we all were treated to the debut of the UFC on FOX. The debut of the UFC kicked off with a bang. The one hour live telecast featured a heavyweight title fight between UFC Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez, and number 1 contender, Junior “Cigano” dos Santos. It only took 64 seconds for a victor to be decided. Dos Santos landed a right hand to the temple of Velasquez that dropped him and dos Santos was able to finish the fight with ground and pound which marked the end of Cain Velasquez’s reign as UFC Heavyweight Champion. Dos Santos also one Knockout of the Night, which was a 65K bonus.

At the post-fight press conference, Junior said that he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee 11 days before the fight while training. His training partner, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, said that he was on crutches for five days. He did not want to pull out of the fight, because it was the biggest fight of his career. With assistance from his doctor, Fabio Costa, he was able to pull through and he received clearance to fight. However, dos Santos will require surgery to repair his knee. Costa anticipates that it will take Junior a month to recover from surgery.

In defeat, Cain Velasquez (9-1) gave Junior credit and he believes that the stoppage was a good called as he lost he equilibrium when he went down and he was pounded out. Velasquez apologized to his family, friends, and fans for disappointing them. Then, he vowed that he would be back and that he will get his belt back.

Dos Santos (14-1) is currently riding a 9-fight winning streak. He is expected to make his first title defense sometime next year. I expect him to defend the title in the spring. He will defend the belt against the winner of the UFC 141 main event between former UFC Heavyweight Champion and opposing coach on the Ultimate Fighter Season 13, Brock Lesnar, and former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion and UFC newcomer, Alistair Overeem. This fight will take place on December 30 in Las Vegas.