UFC on FOX: Junior Dos Santos Is 'Thankful' to Face Cain Velasquez

While he might appear to be cold and calculated inside of the Octagon, Junior dos Santos is certainly grateful and blessed to compete for the UFC heavyweight championship. 

Set to to air in over 16 different countries worldwide, UFC on FOX will feature a heavyweight title bout between dos Santos and Cain Velasquez next weekend. The 27-year-old dos Santos has ran through every single one of his opponents to earn the opportunity to face Velasquez, who he considers the best heavyweight in the world today. 

"I truly believe that Cain Velasquez is the best heavyweight in the world, and he's undefeated. So, it's an honor to be fighting him," dos Santos said during a media call earlier this week.

The reward of facing the champion came at the expense of Shane Carwin at UFC 131, where the Brazilian dominated and out-struck the NCAA division II wrestler en route to a unanimous decision. Velasquez has been sidelined for nearly a year recuperating from shoulder surgery, after he tore his rotator cuff during his bout against then-champion, Brock Lesnar.

Eager and motivated to be crowned UFC heavyweight champion, the whole situation has become surreal for the Bahia, Salvador native and he said he is thankful to receive the opportunity. 

"Truly I am very proud. I'm very proud to be a part of history. I'm proud of my work and I'm proud of myself and my dedication that's brought me to this point," he said. "Come Nov. 12, I want to be the number one heavyweight in the world and I'm just very thankful for the opportunity."

UFC on FOX will be next weekend live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.