Werdum is the 10th Brazilian UFC champion and second among heavyweights; see the list

F. Werdum is the new lineal heavyweight champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

The victory of Fabricio Werdum about Cain Velazquez, last Saturday (13), in the main fight of UFC 188, made Brazilian fighters achieve a mark of respect in the largest MMA organization on the planet. The gaucho, the youngest linear heavyweight champion, was the tenth to secure a belt in a category in Ultimate, being the third currently.

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Werdum joins José Aldo and your teammate Rafael dos Anjos, current owners, respectively, of the featherweight and lightweight titles. Rafael Cordeiro's athlete is also only the second to establish himself in the UFC's heaviest division, the other being, junior gypsy, his likely next opponent inside the Octagon.

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In the UFC's little more than 20 years of history, Brazil has had other champions who were not regulars in the categories. The biggest example is Royce gracie, which was established when the event was still played in a tournament format. Furthermore, there were three interim Brazilian champions, with Rodrigo Minotauro ended up not assuming the position of holder of the linear belt.