Cain Velasquez was so dazed after fighting Francis Ngannou that he didn’t even realise he’d been knocked out.

In February 2019, the former two-time UFC heavyweight champion returned from an almost three-year injury layoff to face the Cameroonian knockout artist.

Velasquez was clipped early and never recoveredCredit: 2019 Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Ngannou’s uppercut caused him to vicously collapseCredit: Getty – Contributor

Their fight was over after just 26 seconds. Velasquez immediately and repeatedly claimed that he suffered a freak knee injury during the bout.

“I just felt something pop and then when I tried to take another step it just gave out on me. My knee gave out on me, I can’t even believe that happened,” he said post-fight.

“It’s just really frustrating because the fire in me is strong, stronger than ever. In camp, great camp, great camp. And then this happens.”

The 41-year-old was adamant Ngannou had nothing to do with his loss.

He added: “It was just the knee, he didn’t even, like, touch me, you know?

“It was just the knee, as soon as I felt the knee just buckle, it was like I couldn’t believe that happened. And then that was it.”

“I beat myself tonight.”

Fight replays showed that Velasquez was caught by a short uppercut before his legs collapsed under him and Ngannou followed up with a series of ground strikes to finish the fight.

The former champion was left dazed, confused and looking for excusesCredit: USA TODAY Sports

Velasquez blamed his comeback loss on a knee injury – but Ngannou wasn’t interestedCredit: Getty – Contributor

Several months later, the Mexican fight icon admitted he had made a mistake.

Velasquez had come to the realisation that he had been knocked out by Ngannou and accepted that was what caused his painful knee injury.

“The second punch, when I went in for that takedown, the one that was kind of behind the ear, I was out on my feet, and I didn’t know it at the time,” he told ESPN.

“I was out on my feet and as I wake up, I’m falling down, and then the pain from the knee on the way down is what woke me up. So, I was out on my feet on the way down, the knee woke me up. I thought my knee gave out like a freak accident.

Velasquez hasn’t fought in UFC since 2019Credit: getty

He is currently fighting to stay out of jailCredit: Getty

“I had a look at the tape where he hit me because going into the takedown the last thing I remember is feeling the back of his knee with my left hand, that is the last thing I remember.

“That is like, ‘I’m in, I’m in.’ Then hit me that shot, from there I don’t remember anything until I go down on my knee and that is what woke me up.”

Velasquez hasn’t fought in MMA since and was in the process of transitioning to professional wrestling before being charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at a man accused of molesting his son.

The UFC star’s trial is expected to begin in January 2024 and if convicted he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison.

Ngannou went on to become the UFC heavyweight championCredit: getty

Fury and Ngannou are ready to face off this weekendCredit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Meanwhile, Ngannou knocked out two more contenders before earning a title shot at Stipe Miocic, who he put to sleep at UFC 260 in March 2021.

‘The Predator’ made one defence of his heavyweight belt against ex-teammate Ciryl Gane before leaving the UFC following a lengthy contract dispute.

Ngannou is set to make millions when he crosses over to boxing for a fight with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old will return to MMA with the Professional Fighters League [PFL] next year.

Ngannou signed a lucrative deal with the UFC’s main rival several months ago and has agreed to be the face of their heavyweight division after he’s realised his boxing dream.