Werdum collaborates with USADA, has a reduced sentence and can return to the octagon in April

F. Werdum (photo) returns to fight in April. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @fabriciowerdumoficial

The former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg.), Fabricio Werdum could be seen in action sooner than expected. Suspended since 2018, when he was caught in an anti-doping test, the Brazilian received a reduced sentence after having collaborated with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) during the investigations. The information was released by the entity itself. With this, 'Vai Cavalo' can be seen in the octagon from April onwards.

See too

Tyron Woodley returns to the octagon and faces Leon Edwards at UFC London, says website

Israel Adesanya defends middleweight title against Yoel Romero at UFC 248, says website

Ultimate studies promoting a fight between Henry Cejudo and José Aldo at UFC 250, in São Paulo

“USADA announced today that Fabricio Werdum, of Redondo Beach, California (USA), received a 10-month reduction from his original two-year suspension. Werdum's period of ineligibility began on May 22, 2018, but was canceled for a period of time while he was unavailable for tryouts. After being reinstated, and with his reduction, his new period of ineligibility expires on April 1, 2020”, published the Agency.

The entity further explained that, due to the athlete's collaboration in supporting the investigations, his sentence was reduced, complying with a determination by USADA for athletes who contribute to analyzes in doping cases.

“Werdum, 42, received a reduced period of ineligibility due to substantial assistance. In accordance with applicable rules, an athlete who faces a period of ineligibility and who provides information that leads to the discovery of another violation or that results in the discovery of a wrongdoing by a criminal or disciplinary body is eligible for a sanction reduction.” wrote.

Fabrício last played on March 17, 2018, when he was defeated by Alexander Volkov in one of the fights UFC London. The defeat to the Russian interrupted a sequence of two victories for the Brazilian, who was looking to regain his status as a challenger to return to fight for his old title, lost in May 2016, to Stipe Miocic.

'Vai Cavalo' experienced his best moment in Ultimate between 2012 and 2015, when he reached the top of his career by defeating one of the best heavyweights in the history of Ultimate, Cain Velazquez. On that occasion, at UFC 188, the Brazilian shocked the world and silenced his critics by submitting the former champion in the third round.

Born in Porto Alegre (RS), Fabrício has already competed in 32 fights in his professional MMA career. The athlete today has 23 wins, eight losses and one draw.