Cain Velasquez vs Denis Stojnic at UFC Fight Night 17 in Tampa

by MMAmania.com on Dec 18, 2008 2:37 PM EST

Blue chip heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez (4-0) will return to action against Octagon newcomer Denis Stojnic (5-1) at UFC Fight Night 17, which takes place at the University of Southern Florida (USF) Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., on February 7, 2009.

Velasquez has been sidelined recently with a knee injury, which required minor surgery to repair. The undefeated American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout -- who has won all of his UFC bouts (two) in impressive fashion -- will apparently be ready to rock in early 2009.

He has quickly built a reputation as a dangerous opponent who many in the division would prefer to avoid. Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien weren’t so lucky -- the former Arizona State University wrestler stopped them both in the first round like the rest of his opponents.

It’s sink or swim, therefore, for his opponent, Stojnic, making his debut for the promotion.

The Sarajevo native will also make his first mixed martial arts appearance stateside. He has competed throughout Europe during his career, most recently against Hakim Gouram back in May.

UFC Fight Night 17 features several 155-pound match ups. Mac Danzig is expected to take on Josh Neer and Joe Lauzon and Hermes Franca are slated to tangle -- both match ups were confirmed for the show today. Kurt Pellegrino and Rob Emerson will also likely hook ‘em up.

To check out the latest UFC Fight Night 17 fight card and rumors click here.

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meh

by Rich B on Dec 18, 2008 2:58 PM EST reply actions

European figther = probly 0 wrestling so Cain via stompout.

by NameNotRequired on Dec 18, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Most likely… But he must fight a bigger name after this fight. Congo, Gonzaga, Herring, somebody.

by BNF on Dec 18, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

BNF. cain vs carwin is a natural to me. i dont know if joe silva feels the same way. these 2 will have to fight each other sooner or later though.

by b.w. on Dec 18, 2008 8:31 PM EST up reply actions

i rather have seen
Cain Velasquez vs Junior DeSantos

by mikeybear on Dec 18, 2008 9:15 PM EST up reply actions

I really like that idea Mikey. I think that fight is much more of a win-win for the UFC than having Cain and Carwin fight at this point. If Cain won he would have beat the guy that just knocked Fabricio Werdum out of the UFC, and if he lost Junior Dos Santos would be an up and comer that beat one of the best HW prospects. And for the UFC, it wouldn’t necessarily derail the impressive UFC starts of either Carwin or Cain.

by GregC on Dec 19, 2008 12:18 AM EST up reply actions

“Eastern” European

by deuce 4 on Dec 19, 2008 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

at least there marketing cain properly an not throwing him to the wolves

by Toad on Dec 18, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions

Cain via brutal stoppage. i don’t even have an idea who he’s fighting. Hehe!

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Dec 18, 2008 3:29 PM EST reply actions

wow, stojnic looks like a badass!

by shamo84 on Dec 18, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions

I’ll care about all this hype when I see him fight a real name in the division. There’s a lot of trash talk about Brock Lesnar (and no, I’m not at all a fan of his) and he fights serious names. No doubt Cain is a beast, but I want to see how he fares against a guy with a good UFC record… or at least Heath Herring.

by Fidel Cashflow on Dec 18, 2008 4:29 PM EST reply actions

which one is wearing the head rubber?

by TapedUpPair on Dec 18, 2008 4:29 PM EST reply actions

That’s Cain.

by DB on Dec 18, 2008 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

I see this ending quick with Stojnic smashing him, underestimated bosnian ofcourse, he’s got heart if he’s from sarajevo.

by mrcbr954 on Dec 18, 2008 4:49 PM EST reply actions

give Cain a legit name contender..please

by manalito on Dec 18, 2008 5:02 PM EST reply actions

He probably will when they decide to give Carwin one, also Gabe Gonzaga’s last two fights have been Justin McCully and Josh Hendricks. Cheick Kongo’s last was Dan Evenson. Now the UFC signs this guy and Neil Grove. The matchmaking in the heavyweight division leaves a lot to be desired.

by tyler on Dec 18, 2008 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

I would actually like to see Cain vs. Carwin…….

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 18, 2008 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

They aren’t gonna let their two babies clash…

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Dec 18, 2008 7:51 PM EST up reply actions

PSYCO78@. i just posted that and scrolled down and saw your blog. great minds think alike though. SYD is probably right about them not fighting each other for a fight or 2 though. that neil grove dude seems like a real can. one site described him as a hw lambert. blah! get pee wee and brett rogers in there.

by b.w. on Dec 18, 2008 8:35 PM EST up reply actions

I agree. Since they are the two best up-and-comers in the HW division I don’t see them wanting to derail either one yet. I understand this strategy with Cain, because he’s still only 26 and doesn’t have much experience. But Carwin is already 33 and he needs to face some top talent now. They both need to be facing name opponents at this point, but I think Carwin needs to be pushed faster than Cain.

by GregC on Dec 18, 2008 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Are these guys brothers? :)

by DownUnder on Dec 18, 2008 5:48 PM EST reply actions

From another mother…

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Dec 18, 2008 7:51 PM EST up reply actions

Cain will win this fight in the 1st. I want to see Carwin vs. Cain.

by Chris on Dec 18, 2008 8:10 PM EST reply actions

I wanted Cain vs Gonzaga. Cain needs to take a step up in competition. I think the UFC is moving forward with Carwin and holding Cain back.

by DB on Dec 18, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions

I would rather see Carwin right Gonzaga right now than Cain. Carwin is older and more experienced than Cain, so I understand them pushing him up the ranks faster than Cain.

by GregC on Dec 19, 2008 12:21 AM EST up reply actions

Its interesting how you talk about guy that you dont know,man i watch Cains fights and he is great fighter, but you probably dont see Denis in real action. I personaly watch a couple of his fights and his training sassions at the place happening and beleave me he kicks ass and his time will come man. Denis is very agressive and he is strong and know how to ground&pound.That fight that you watch is nothing if you compare his fighting condicion now.And know what he have BIG heart.
If you look that fight in Belgrade you will see. When Denis go to Belgrade to fight he said that he probably get bitten in ring or by public. Reason for that is heat betwen some groups in Eastern Europe.
So dont talk about someone which you do not know about man.
He is also part of golgen glory team from holland.
Respect to all of you and you can email me if you need some info.
PEACE

by EEEE on Jan 7, 2009 5:40 PM EST reply actions

You guys do not know nothing about Sarajevo fighting mentality, but Denis will show that to you in the future. So to not talk like that about someone you do not know nothing about.One question for you. “Do you have enough heart to fight in Belgrade after your regular fight in one ilegal fight that should be sparr session and you are soround by war kriminals?”
DENIS win that fight and go home in one peace man, thats something troust me.

by EEEE on Jan 7, 2009 5:50 PM EST reply actions

Hi to all,

I just want to say, don’t think Denis is a weak fighter; Maybe you did not hear for him in the States, but he is very famous in the Europe. Denis is real ‘’pit bull’’ and he will spend even last drop of his blood to get this fight and to show himself in a bright light. Also, as you are supporting Velasquez, the same way we love and support our Denis Stojnic and we believe he will become a new Fedor! Lets wait and see what will happen in February. I wish Denis all the best in life and in his fights.

All the best to you guys!

Pama

by pama on Jan 12, 2009 10:51 AM EST reply actions

Denis is gonna whoop Cains ass boy! Just watch.

by SammeriuS on Jan 15, 2009 4:49 AM EST reply actions

I see Denis Stojnic stomping Cain’s head. He is an “Eastern European”, i dont think Cain Velasquez ever fought someone like him. Denis grew up in a warzone and all he did was fight. He went back to Belgrade and whoped ass there, and challenged the whole arena to a fight. Just a crazy bastard and a real badass. He used to be a street fighter and now he is a black belt in Sambo (like fedor). Sure he has a long way to go before he gets more recognition, but he is moving into the right direction.