UFC 207: NSAC explains decision to deny Cain Velasquez license to fight, UFC issues statement

Cain Velasquez was officially ruled out of his scheduled rematch against Fabricio Werdum, which was supposed to go down next Friday (Dec. 30, 2016) in at UFC 207 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While Cain dismissed the initial rumors, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the news that the former 265-pound champion had indeed been denied a license to fight on the final pay-per-view (PPV) event of the year for the promotion.

In fact, he even had to text Cain to break the news to him, as he was still under the impression that all systems were a go. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) released an official statement to ESPN as to why Cain was denied a license to fight.

"Based on medical records, interviews and the best judgment of Chairman Anthony Marnell, attorney general J. Brin Gibson, the executive director's office and our physicians, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the athletes, it's been determined Cain Velasquez is unfit to fight. The financial incentive for fighters to compete is strongly compelling, and it is the responsibility and obligation of this commission to intervene when excessive risks are evident. It's obvious Mr. Velasquez is physically compromised and competing would place him in significant physical risk."

Cain didn’t do himself any favors after revealing that he already had plans to go under the knife just five days after UFC 207 to correct and ongoing sciatic nerve issue; one that forced him to turn to CBD oil to deal with the pain.

At the end of the day, while fight fans are clearly upset at the news, a fighters health and safety come first, so one can’t be too upset with NSAC for looking out for Velasquez, and his future. Even if Cain’s Dr. felt he was fit enough to fight.

UFC also offered up a statement on the unfortunate turn of events:

"Saturday afternoon, UFC was informed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that Cain Velasquez is unfit to fight. As a result, the former two-time heavyweight champion has been removed from his Dec. 30 bout against Fabricio Werdum at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. UFC 207, which is headlined by the women's bantamweight title fight between Amanda Nunes and Ronda Rousey, will proceed with 10 bouts."

Bummer.

To see who is fighting at the upcoming UFC 207 event click here.