UFC Heavyweight Champion Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

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UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is currently undergoing surgery on his right shoulder to repair a partially-torn rotator cuff.

The news was first reported by TMZ.com, and Sherdog.com has confirmed the report with sources close to the fighter.

Velasquez was last seen in the Octagon in October, dethroning the much larger Brock Lesnar in the main event of UFC 121. After an early bull rush from Lesnar, it became apparent that the American Kickboxing Academy product was the much faster man. Velasquez landed hard punches with great accuracy, bloodying the muscular champion and earning the TKO victory late in the first period.

The newly-crowned champion's celebration was short-lived, however. According to a report from USA Today, Velasquez felt something wrong with his shoulder later that night. After having the sore spot examined, it was determined that the fighter had suffered a torn rotator cuff.

It is unknown exactly how long the 28-year-old will be on the shelf, but the timetable for recovery has been estimated as six to eight months.

Meanwhile, the UFC has already made plans for the king's return, as previous No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos will now coach opposite Lesnar on the 13th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” The coaches will then square off at the end of the season to determine a new No. 1 contender for Velasquez's title. Originally, the promotion had planned for “Cigano” to face the champion at UFC 129 on April 30 in Toronto, but that fell through when the severity of Velasquez's injury became apparent.