Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum is now officially contracted with the Professional Fighters League [PFL], per Brett Okamoto. The long-time UFC staple moved on from the organization after a successful stint that lasted several years. The latter years of his UFC tenure stretched their relationship thin, as Werdum wasn’t allowed out of his contract after a USADA run-in.
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‘Vai Cavalo’ made a return in 2020 and welcomed former light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson to the heavyweight division. The 43-year-old put on a statement performance to round-up his contract as he earned a dominant submission win. Following his victory on Yas Fight Island, the narrative around Fabricio Werdum’s career shifted to the topic of free agency.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 26: (L-R) Fabricio Werdum of Brazil works to secure an arm bar submission against Alexander Gustafsson of Sweden in their heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 26, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Fabricio Werdum speaks out on PFL signing
Chiefly, fans expected the Brazilian icon to re-sign with the UFC after his successful outing against Gustafsson. Moreover, given their reportedly strained behind-the-scenes relationship, it wasn’t a stretch when the news of the PFL signing broke. Additionally, Fabricio Werdum seemed happy with the new start and believes there’s a PFL championship lined up in his future.
“It was a very good negotiation with them, and I know this event is getting very strong. I have fought for 23 years and this is my dream. I want to fight maybe twice in one night. Love the idea. You have one fight, you win, you go again.”
“Maybe this (coming) year, 2021, I fight four or five fights. This is my dream. In the past, sometimes, (I fought) just one in a year, maybe two. I want to enjoy the moment because it’s so hard for us to stop fighting. Imagine, all my life I have fought, and one day, I have to stop. For sure, I know that. Maybe two years. But imagine I’m the PFL champion at (age) 44? I know I can.”
The grizzly veteran may be on an overall skid in the company. However, his supreme skill set has spoken for itself over the years. It seems as though the lengthy lay-off has sparked a renewed passion and Werdum will be looking to grab the $1 million tournament check. Not to mention, his flat contracted fight purse would have definitely been another enticing factor.
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