Torn meniscus sends 'Mexican Fedor' for surgery and rehabilitation

The UFC had hoped to see Velasquez return to action on a Dec. 10 event scheduled for Fort Bragg, N.C.

Velasquez is a former Arizona State wrestler who earned All-America status twice during his collegiate career. He has been a quick study in MMA with a perfect 4-0 record and has dominated in both of his UFC fights with first-round TKOs.

Though he comes in with a wrestling background, the 26-year-old Velasquez has drawn raves from his teammates, trainers and insiders who praise his aptitude for learning and athletic ability.

Current Affliction fighter Paul Buentello is one of Velasquez's stablemates at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif. Buentello is a seasoned and respected fighter with almost 40 fights to his credit and has fought in major promotions including the UFC and Strikeforce.

"I think he'll give [current interim champ Antonio Rodrigo] Nogueira a good run for his money right now," Buentello said. "He's a push-push kind of guy. He just keeps going forward. He doesn't care. He's a Mexican version of Fedor Emelianenko. He has no worries about engaging. He overlooks it and goes straight forward."

Velasquez has adapted quickly to the standup game under the tutelage of AKA striking coach Javier Mendez. All four of his wins have been knockouts coming inside of a round.  In his April 2008 UFC debut, he overwhelmed Brad Morris in just 2:10. In July, he needed only 2:02 to finish off Jake O’Brien. In addition, he is noted for having an incredible work ethic and unending stamina which Buentello likens to a "marathon runner or Ironman triathlete."

Many insiders see him as the eventual heir to the heavyweight division.