Velasquez stops Lesnar in 1st round for UFC title

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Cain Velasquez stopped Brock Lesnar late in the first round with a relentless flurry of punches at UFC 121 on Saturday night, claiming Lesnar's UFC heavyweight title.

Velasquez remained unbeaten and won mixed martial arts' highest-profile belt by outpunching the fearsome Lesnar, the UFC's biggest star and top pay-per-view draw. After a frenetic opening minute featuring huge blows by both fighters, Velasquez battled back from two takedowns and never stopped pursuing the bigger champion.

Velasquez eventually staggered Lesnar across the octagon, with Lesnar stumbling to the canvas several times. Lesnar (5-2) tried to cover up near the cage, but Velasquez mercilessly rained down blows on Lesnar and eventually broke his guard, forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the fight with 48 seconds left in the round.

"He looked incredible tonight," UFC president Dana White said. "The guy gets better every time he fights. He's incredibly well-rounded. I think he answered all the questions tonight."

While Velasquez (9-0) scarcely made a mistake in the entire fight, Lesnar was left cut and seriously bloodied from Velasquez's punches.

"What can I say? He was better than me tonight," Lesnar said.

Lesnar's third title defense came just four months after his return to the octagon following a yearlong bout with diverticulitis, an intestinal malady that threatened his life and forced him to revamp his training and diet. The former professional wrestler and football player adapted without losing the sheer bulk that makes him the toughest physical matchup in the UFC.