Forget about knockout battles – the latest battle featured on Instagram was won with just a handshake. Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez outmuscled UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and BKFC star Mike Perry in a grip strength test.

In an Instagram video posted on June 11, 2026, by @mini_khabib, the three champions put their grip strength to the test. The test began with Jon Jones, who rang up a score of 112 pounds with his left hand, and Mike Perry with a 98.8.

However, the real moment came when Cain Velasquez stunned everyone with a score of 152.4. Other UFC fighters who attempted the grip strength test included:

• Paulo Costa – 96.6
• Carlos Ulberg – 144 on his right hand, 148.2 on his left hand

The Instagram video highlighted the amount of force each UFC fighter holds in their hands. It is a quick and easy way to assess their forearm and hand strength.

In the UFC, this means more than just a gym statistic. Velasquez's high numbers showcase his elite power in submissions, grappling, and clinch battles.

Surprisingly, the 152.4-pound number hit by "Cardio Cain" seems lightweight when we look at other celebrities who have publicly done the grip strength test. For instance, Hollywood superstar Will Smith recorded 170 pounds while filming a YouTube video with @Browney in March.

When MrBeast appeared on the same channel, he hit a 143.4. For another cross-industry comparison, gymnast Brody Malone hit a 159 in October 2024. And if we were to look at bodybuilders, Martyn Ford got a whopping 182.2-pound effort in May 2024 on @Browney's channel.

There is definitely one thing to consider in Cain Velasquez's case: he didn't seem to go all out on the machine like the other names mentioned above.

Nonetheless, as a UFC fighter, he has what it takes to be at the top, and he credits his brutal training routine to helping him develop championship-level physical strength, explosiveness, and conditioning.

The training behind the grip: How Cain Velasquez built elite strength

Cain Velasquez built his legendary reputation on functional strength, relentless conditioning, and wrestling-based workouts. His workout routines were tailored to prepare him specifically for five-round fights.

As per an interview with Muscle & Fitness, Velasquez strength trains three times a week. His typical routine consists of Olympic lifts, cleans, squats, pull-ups, deadlifts, bench presses, and sled pushes and pulls.

Instead of focusing on one-rep maxes, he takes his time to build on explosive movements and raw strength.

He also practices MMA drills and wrestling, which include:

• Sparring
• Defensive grappling
• Cage control drills
• Wrestling scrambles and takedowns
• Brazilian jiu-jitsu
• Clinch work
• Pad work

When asked which type of workout he feels is best for his performance in the Octagon, Velasquez said:

"The cleans and jerks. A lot of the stuff with power coming from your hips. The punches — all of that comes from your hips and your feet. That’s where it starts. On takedowns, obviously you’re shooting in and have to be explosive; pretty much from 0-60."

Years of relentless training have proved that Velasquez’s true dominance comes from discipline, endurance, and raw power. Which of today’s heavyweights do you think can match “Cardio Cain’s” intensity?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Yash Kotak