In 2008, Fabricio Werdum was unceremoniously released from the UFC following a shocking TKO upset loss to then debuting heavyweight Junior Dos Santos. Heading into that fight there was talks that Werdum was not only close to a title shot but was also attempting to get more money from the UFC as well. Fans were stunned when it was reported that Werdum was released after a 2-2 run in the promotion. Adding to the confusion, Werdum initially denied that he was released from the promotion as he was not contacted directly from UFC brass.
At UFC 143 on Saturday, February 4th, Fabricio Werdum will make his long awaited return to the octagon. Matthew Roth of Bloody Elbow had a chance to catch up with the former ADCC champion to get his thoughts on the fight with Roy Nelson as well as the incredible win over Fedor Emelianenko in Strikeforce.
Regarding his return, he said “It feels good. I am very happy because this is my goal. I have campaigned on twitter. I have campaigned on Facebook. I put it on my mind that I wanted to return to the UFC.” He added, “I didn’t like my last fight in the UFC. It was the first knockout of my life — of my career. But things have changed now. I’m more professional now. I’m training everyday. This time my body and my mind are good.”
Werdum also spoke about his win over Fedor Emelianenko and how it compares to his wins at the ADCC in both 2007 and 2009. He stated “the only thing that could compare to my feeling I had when I beat Fedor is the day that my daughter was born. There is no other competition that could compare to that victory. The victory over Fedor is very special to me.”
Fabricio Werdum faces Roy Nelson in the co-main event of the evening. UFC President Dana White was unable to commit to the winner of this fight being in line for a title shot but with the state of the heavyweight division, it is likely that the victor will be on the fast track.
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