It looks like Fabricio Werdum may be ready to close an MMA chapter of his life.
The PFL on Tuesday announced its heavyweight division roster that will be a part of its upcoming 2022 regular season. “Vai Cavalo” didn’t make the list. In his recent interview with Ag. Fight, he said he’s seriously considering hanging up his gloves.
During the interview, Werdum admitted that the time finally come to make this decision:
“It’s a little hard to say that to a fighter after 24 years of fighting,” Werdum told Ag. Fight. “Even my wife keeps telling me to announce that I’m retired, that I’m done. And I tell her that I won’t say it. But speaking of MMA, I think it’s hard for me to come back because it requires dedication, staying two-three months in the United States, and now I’ve been living in Brazil for the last year and three months now. I would say yes if there’s a boxing match. To sum it up: boxing – yes, MMA – no. It would have to be a very unique offer to make me stop doing what I’ve been doing right now.”
The Brazilian fighter fought only once inside the PFL’s SmartCage against fellow countryman, Renan Ferreira. The fight ended in controversy when the referee didn’t see Ferreira tapping out to Werdum’s triangle choke, which led to his escape from submission and TKO win. The result was later overturned by the New Jersey Commission to a no contest.
“Vai Cavalo” was scheduled to face Brandon Sayles next, but he withdrew from the card and the 2021 season in general. He admitted that the whole no contest situation from the Ferreria fight drained all his interest and motivation.
Werdum stacked a 24-9-1 and 1 NC MMA record, with his MMA debut taking place back in June 2002 in the U.K. He fought in his native Brazil before making the jump to Pride FC, followed by stints in UFC, Strikeforce, and finally PFL. He is a former UFC heavyweight champion who holds victories over notable names such as Cain Velasquez, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Alexander Gustafsson.
What is probably his best-known win came in Strikeforce when he stopped the 10 year-long winning streak of Fedor Emelianenko. He’s also a two-time IBJJF and ADCC champion.
Featured Image credit:
Embed from Getty Images
