Report: Velasquez Returns Nov. 19, Defends against Dos Santos

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According to a report filed by The Los Angeles Times, UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will return to action Nov. 19 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Citing Zuffa chairman Lorenzo Fertitta, the report confirmed that No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos will be the other man in the cage if and when the champion resurfaces in the Octagon this fall.

Sherdog.com contacted the Velasquez camp on Thursday evening and was told the champion expected to return to the cage in either November or December, which lines up with The Times' report.

Velasquez has not seen action since capturing the heavyweight title via first-round TKO over massive belt holder Brock Lesnar in October. The undefeated champion made his UFC debut in 2008 and has dominated his Octagon peers, only going the distance once as a pro.

Following his win over Lesnar, the American Kickboxing Academy standout underwent surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff sustained during the bout and has been in recovery for several months.

Known for his precision punching and knockout power, Dos Santos has won eight-straight bouts. The Brazilian holds notable wins over Fabricio Werdum, Mirko Filipovic and Roy Nelson.

The 26-year-old most recently battered Shane Carwin at UFC 131 to earn his status as No. 1 contender, nearly finishing the American in the first round with strikes. Carwin staved off the finish, however, hanging tough to endure two more rounds of punishment en route to a unanimous decision in favor of the Brazilian.