Volkov beats Werdum in UFC London. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
Couldn't Fabricio Werdum! The Brazilian entered the octagon, this Saturday (17), in the main fight of the UFC London, willing to score his third consecutive victory and get close to a shot at the heavyweight belt. But, after a good start to the fight, the black belt from Rio Grande do Sul ended up being knocked out by the Russian giant Alexander Volkov, 2,04m, in the fourth round and stopped his climb towards the top of the division.
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With the result, 'Drago', as he is known, scores his fourth victory in four fights in the Octagon. Werdum, aged 40, who occupied third place in the heavyweight rankings, is far from a new chance at the category title.
“This is the greatest opponent I've ever had, he's a legend of this sport. I'm very happy, I hope I get a chance at the belt, I've been waiting for this for a long time. I know his jiu-jitsu is very good, but I prepared a lot to escape his techniques. I waited for my moment and took advantage,” said Volkov.
The fight
Willing not to take any risks in the stand-up fight, Werdum attacked his rival's legs right at the beginning of the fight. The Brazilian feinted the flying knee and took down Volkov in the first few seconds. On top, the Brazilian combined good punches to the Russian's waistline and face. On the other hand, Fabrício was unable to improve when changing positions and was stuck in 'Drago's' guard. In one of the passing attempts, Werdum lost his balance and gave the Russian space to get up. Volkov went up and connected several punches on the Brazilian with his guard closed.
In the second round, Volkov, with greater reach, landed good punches. But Werdum managed to get the takedown halfway through the session and controlled the fight from above, landing good punches from the guard, but without being able to improve his positions.
From the third round onwards the story of the fight began to change. Volkov connected his best punches while standing and avoided engaging in takedowns against the Brazilian, who played whenever he could in the Octagon. Fabrício only managed to take the fight to the ground in the final moments, when he tried to land a Kimura to finish the fight, but he didn't have time to turn the match around.
In the fourth round, visibly tired, the Brazilian went for it all or nothing and ended up getting hurt. Werdum attempted a takedown anyway, ended up falling underneath and was unable to reverse the position. Volkov threw good blows and got up afterwards. The gaucho went up with crosses, but Volkov was quicker to counterattack and took down the black belt. The Russian took advantage of the opportunity and ended the dispute with three more punches on the ground to achieve a technical knockout.
UFC London results
MAIN CARD
Heavy weight: Alexander Volkov derrotou Fabricio Werdum by knockout at 1m38s of R4
Light Heavyweight: Jan Blachowicz defeated Jimi Manuwa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Bantamweight: Tom Duquesnoy defeated Terrion Ware via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Welterweight Weight: Leon edwards derrotou Peter sobotta by technical knockout at 4m57s of R3
PRELIMINARY CARD
Average weight: Charles byrd submitted John Phillips with a choke at 3m58s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Danny Roberts defeated Oliver Enkamp by knockout 2m12s into R1
Feather weight: Danny henry finished Hakeem dawodu with a guillotine 39s from R1
Light Heavyweight: Paul Craig finished Magomed Ankalayev with a triangle 4m59s from R3
Lightweight: Kajan Johnson defeated Stevie Ray via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight: Dmitriy Sosnovskiy submitted Mark Godbeer with a rear naked choke at 4:29
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