Velasquez And Mir Set For Wrestling Match

Former UFC heavyweight champions Cain Velasquez and Frank Mir are scheduled to compete in a wrestling match at an AIGA Global event in California this November, according to Red Corner MMA.

The two participated in a staredown recently, though the promotion has not announced a specific date, venue, or ruleset. MMA Mania notes that the face-off could be a promotional tactic, and cautions that without official event details, the match remains unconfirmed.

Velasquez And Mir's Paths Since UFC

Velasquez, 44, has kept a low profile since his legal troubles began in 2022. He was arrested after shooting at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of sexually abusing Velasquez's son. He pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges and was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025, then released on parole in February 2026 after credit for time served.

Mir's situation raises health concerns. The 47-year-old underwent emergency spinal surgery in early 2025 after temporarily losing feeling in his legs. The procedure involved a full thoracic spinal fusion and laminectomy, forcing Mir to relearn basic movements. The injury scrapped his planned comeback fight against Fabricio Werdum.

The matchup carries historical weight. Velasquez and Mir were originally booked to meet at UFC 146 in May 2012 as a number one contender bout, but the fight collapsed when the promotion moved Mir into a title shot against Junior dos Santos after Alistair Overeem failed a drug test. Velasquez stayed on the card and finished Antonio Silva instead. The exact date for their November wrestling meeting has yet to be confirmed.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Report: UFC legends Cain Velasquez, Frank Mir to wrestle at AIGA event in November