UFC’s Mexico debut delayed until champ Cain Velasquez is healthy

UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez recently underwent surgery that will not only push back his next fight, but also the UFC’s expansion efforts in Mexico.

Prior to Velasquez (13-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) going under the knife this past week to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, UFC President Dana White had announced his intention to bring the UFC to Mexico in 2014.

The debut event originally was targeted for the first half of next year, but with Velasquez out for an undetermined amount of time, it may take longer than expected.

“Me and Lorenzo [Fertitta] were talking the other day about going to Mexico without Cain,” White told MMAjunkie at a media scrum following Saturday’s UFC on FOX 9 event (watch the video of the full scrum). “I just don’t think it’s a good idea. I say we wait.”

Velasquez was expected to attempt the third defense of his belt against Fabricio Werdum (17-5-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in Mexico, but with the surgery, those plans have been scrapped.

Whom Velasquez will face upon his return is still up in the air.

Werdum stated his willingness to sit on the sidelines and wait for the champion to get healthy. However, UFC executives would prefer to keep the division rolling and have “Vai Cavalo” face the winner of UFC 168’s showdown between Josh Barnett and Travis Browne, which takes place Dec. 28.

While a live event in Mexico has been placed on the backburner for now, that doesn’t mean the organization’s plans to grow the sport in the country have come to a halt.

The details are still spotty, but White confirmed plans for a Mexican version of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show that will be up and running in the not-too-distance future.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.