Rena Problema's victory over Fabricio Werdum In the debut of both in the PFL, it continues to give something to talk about. After Gaucho's analysis of an alleged opponent's withdrawal in a locked triangle, it’s Goiano’s turn to give his version. In interview with SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the former UFC rival spoke about the duel, which ended with his knockout victory against the Brazilian legend.
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The duel between the Brazilians closed the main card of PFL 3. The incident that sparked discussion between fighters, sports fans and members of the press happened in the first minutes of the confrontation. At the time, Werdum had a triangle in place, but ended up losing the position and, subsequently, ended up being knocked out by his opponent.
The former UFC champion claims that Renan gave the famous 'forfeit slaps' and thus loosened the submission, giving Problema room to recover. The Goiano, however, sees the scene differently.
Did you hit or not hit?
The biggest controversy of the confrontation is the interpretation of the possibility of Problem having withdrawn. After Fabrício's statement, the 'Vai Cavalo' opponent sets out his position.
“I didn’t hit there, at that moment. The guys put the video in slow motion. (…) At no point did I stop hitting him hard in the face. As I'm being submitted and I'm going to continue playing hard shots all the time. There was no slap. I was all contorted, trying to position myself. At no point did I intend to slap myself to stop, because I wasn't feeling the pressure,” said Renan.
Did Werdum ease his grip?
Irritated by the situation, one of the points supported by the gaucho is that, when he felt the slaps, he would have relieved the pressure of the submission. The alleged action of the former UFC champion – with the referee not interrupting – could be instrumental in Renan recovering and reversing the situation. Problem, however, remains firm in saying that the veteran did not loosen his position.
“I didn't feel like it loosened anything, because he pulled my head down (a movement that promotes more strength and pressure to finish). You can look at the continuity of the video, because they only included the part where my hand supposedly hits his back. It doesn't show where it keeps pulling my head. He kept squeezing, felt the blows and turned away,” he said.
Referee interference
One of the reasons that makes Renan optimistic about maintaining the victory is the non-interference of the referee, Keith Peterson, in the confrontation. Positioned close to the fighters, who remained 'grasped' on the ground, the duel leader allowed the fight to continue, interrupting only after Problema's reversal, subsequently confirming the knockout for the Goiano fighter.
“That’s what the referee is there for. He (Werdum) has to wait for the referee to stop,” said the fighter.
Change in result
After losing by knockout, Fabrício admitted that he and his team would file an appeal to change the official result of the duel. The gaucho even confirmed that the decision was well underway with the Athletic Commission. Problem, however, guarantees that his knockout will be maintained.
“I spoke to the president (of the PFL), Ray Sefo, and he did not take a position on anything that would change the result. I have my head held high, I know my character. Anyone who knows me, knows who I am, where I come from and what an upright person I am. What the Commission decides, I will accept, even if it is unfair, if they cancel this victory”, said the Brazilian.
Werdum's criticisms
After having his defeat announced, Fabrício positioned himself over Renan. At the time, the gaucho accused his opponent of having acted in bad faith, after not admitting the alleged withdrawal. Problema, in response, countered his opponent's harsh criticism.
“He can say whatever he wants. My integrity and character I know what they are. He doesn't know me, he doesn't know about me. He can't speak about my character, just as I don't know him personally. I know (Fabrício) as a fight idol, a guy who contributed a lot to the fight's growth. (…) I think it’s disrespectful for him to talk about my character”, he replied.
Rematch with Fabrício
After an initial disagreement, Renan knows that there is a possibility of a new meeting with Werdum. If the result is maintained, and the gaucho recovers in the next fight, the native of Goiás says he is ready to, once again, exchange forces with the former UFC champion.
“I entered this tournament prepared for war. I managed to get my six points, which was my intention. Whatever comes next, I'm prepared. If he moves forward (next phase), we will face each other again and get things right. I have my head held high,” he concluded.
With the positive result, Renan is in good condition to reach the next stage of the heavyweight tournament (up to 120,2kg). Werdum, in turn, will need a knockout or submission in the first round to have any chance of going to the knockout stage, which leads to the grand final.
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