Cain Velasquez might be able to return to the Octagon sooner than many thought.

Dana White said Thursday on the "Opie with Jim Norton" radio show that Velasquez will only need four weeks of recovery after back surgery. There's no official timetable for the former UFC heavyweight champion's return, though.

"He's got problems with a disc in his back," the UFC president said. "He's actually gonna have surgery. The good part is it's not gonna be long."

Velasquez (13-2) was supposed to challenge champion Fabricio Werdum in the main event of UFC 196 on Feb. 6 in Las Vegas. But Velasquez pulled out due to injury Sunday. A day later, Werdum also said he could not fight because he was injured. The card was moved off pay-per-view and renamed UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Wonderboy.

UFC 196 will now be March 5, headlined by Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor for the UFC lightweight title.

Werdum (20-5-1) beat Velasquez to win the heavyweight title via third-round submission at UFC 188 last June. Velasquez is a two-time heavyweight champ. It's unclear if he'll be given the title shot against Werdum upon his return. There is also no timetable for Werdum's return, though it's expected to be in the first half of 2016.

Velasquez shouldn't be out all that long, either, according to White.

"That's good news," White said.