It's been more than a year since the UFC Heavyweight champion of the world put his title on the line.

Cain Velasquez was sidelined last year because of a terrible knee injury. His last title defense was a knockout victory against Junior dos Santos in October 2013. Now, Velasquez is back and ready to go for the UFC 188, which will be held in Mexico City, Mexico on June 13.

Velasquez talked with Latin Post about his career and upcoming fight.

Damon Salvadore: Last Year you had a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in your knee. How are feeling since the injury?

Cain Velasquez: Good. I've been practicing and training hard just like I was before the injury. Being able to practice hard now gives me that extra edge mentally. So, yeah, I'm happy where I'm at.

Salvadore: Explain your tattoo that reads “Brown Pride”

Velasquez: It means Mexican Pride.

Salvadore: Do you have a favorite sport other than wrestling that you follow?

Velasquez: I like a lot of sports involving cars. To be honest, I don't really watch a lot of sports outside of wrestling.

Salvadore: Can you talk about your Mexican heritage?

Velasquez: My Father was born and raised in Mexico. He walked to the United States through the Mexican desert to make a better life for himself and start working here.

Salvadore: Fabrício Werdum is a good fighter who hasn't lost since 2011, and a great submission fighter. How do you plan on attacking him?

Velasquez: I'm going to treat Fabricio the same kind of style I do with other fighters. There's going to be a lot of pressure on both of us. Overall it should be a good fight, but yeah, as far the fight, there's going to be a lot of pressure.

Salvadore: You're one of the best power punchers in all of UFC today. Do want to end this early or try and drag it out with good endurance fighting?

Velasquez: Never try and think too much of it when I'm fighting. If it just so happens that the fight ends early, then good, but I can't worry too much on when the fight ends. I just have to stay on task. If it gets left to the judges by way of decision then so be it. All I can do is try to win.

Salvadore: It's been more than a year since your last UFC fight. Do you feel kind of rusty heading into this match?

Velasquez: I don't feel rusty. I feel better since my last fight, and I'm anxious to get in the ring and get started up again. I have a huge drive right now, and it's a big confidence booster. But, on the other side, I have to go out there and prove to everyone I still have it.

Salvadore: This is going to be your first UFC held in Mexico City. What does that mean for you to be fighting in front of Mexican UFC fans?

Velasquez: For me it's kind of personal to be fighting in front of so many Mexican UFC fans. I'm happy to be getting back in the ring and fighting again, but I'm really happy to get the opportunity to be fighting there. I'm really excited.

Salvadore: Do you have any pre-fight rituals?

Velasquez: No, I don't have a specific pre-fight ritual. I just try to relax. 24 hours before the fight means no more training and a lot of rest and focus. I study my opponent and think about what I'm going to do and of my game plan. It's a lot more mental than physical.

Salvadore: What would you say is the most memorable fight of your career?

Velasquez: I would have to say when I won the heavyweight championship over Brock Lesnar in 2010. Winning the title over the top dog is pretty indescribable.

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