Javier Mendez says it’s a "great honor and challenge" for Cain Velasquez to fight Frank Mir

Head Coach at American Kickboxing Academy, Javier Mendez, discusses several top fighters currently on the AKA roster, including former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velazquez. Set to square off with fellow former title holder Frank Mir at UFC 146, Mendez says it is an honor for Velasquez to be paired against the veteran.

Just one fight removed from his championship reign, Velasquez suffered his first professional defeat when he was dethroned by Junior dos Santos back in November. Now set to make his return on May 26th, a victory over Mir will solidify his place as the division’s number-one contender, and set-up a showdown with the JDS vs. Alistair Overeem winner. Photo: Francis Specker

Javier Mendez

“Cain Velasquez vs. Frank Mir. I want to thank the UFC for giving us the number-one contendership on his first fight back from (Velasquez’s) loss to Junior dos Santos. It’s a great honor that they believe in Cain like that. It’s a great challenge for us. Frank is great on the ground, he has great stand-up and all-around, it’s a good fight for us. We’re going to get ready for that fight. … Three fight winning streak – Frank is on the rise.”

Further Reading: Heavyweight Madness: Frank Mir could be the favorite against Cain Velasquez