Close to his PFL debut, Werdum analyzes his rival, talks about retirement and clarifies his departure from the UFC

Considered one of the greatest Brazilian representatives in the history of MMA, Fabricio Werdum You are close to a new career challenge. At 43 years old, the gaucho makes his long-awaited debut in the PFL this Thursday (6) and could make his debut in the organization on the right foot towards the US$1 million prize in the heavyweight tournament.

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In an exclusive interview to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the former UFC champion opened up about his expectations for the duel against Renan Problem, talked about retirement and clarified his departure from Ultimate. The duel against his compatriot will mark the first appearance of 'Vai Cavalo' since the fighter left Ultimate.

Departure from UFC

July 25, 2020 was marked by Werdum and UFC as the last time the Brazilian was seen performing in the Octagon. After the lightning victory over Alexander Gustafson, Fabrício, who was having the last fight on his contract, chose not to renew with the company and test himself with another company. The gaucho then made a point of clarifying how the process of leaving the company chaired by Dana White went.

“The decision (to leave Ultimate) was 100% mine. I wanted to leave the UFC, because I decided. I thought I was already good during the years I spent in the UFC. It's good to have this decision because of everything that happened to me – good things, bad things. The last fight had to be like that, with the victory, very well, even to negotiate with the PFL. (…) Just to clarify: it was my decision. It wasn't for lack of negotiation. They had the contract in hand. I said: 'Thank you very much. Everything is alright. I really appreciate it, but now I want to make my way”, revealed the Brazilian.

Suspension for doping in 2018

In 2018, Werdum ended up being the center of a controversy involving the United States Anti-Doping Agency and ended up being suspended for two years from MMA, for allegedly ingesting the anabolic steroid trenbolone and its metabolite epitrembolone. Seeking to clarify the situation, the Brazilian rejects the punishment and vented about what he felt about the treatment given by Ultimate. After the moment, the gaucho continues to assert his innocence in the episode.

“I'm going to hit the button until the end, because I'm sure I didn't use anything. I'm sure it was contamination. I thought the way they sentenced me was unfair, because I felt like a prisoner. Two years (away) was very difficult. (…) It was very complicated for the family. I know they knew it was contamination, but, the way they did there, they gave it two years,” said Werdum.

 'New life' at PFL

After a peaceful departure from the UFC, leaving through the front door, the former champion cannot hide his excitement for his PFL debut. Happy in his 'new home', the gaucho celebrates the growth of the organization, which is betting on the veteran to increasingly become popular with fans of mixed martial arts.

“We, in Brazil, have a lot of quality and quantity. Look how many athletes we have who don't have the opportunity to fight in an event as good as PFL, UFC, Bellator. (…) I am already considered an ambassador. The guys treated me so well that they made me an ambassador, paying me a salary to be able to show (the event)”, said the Tupiniquim.

Next opponent: Renan Problema

One of the protagonists of the PFL heavyweight tournament in 2021, Werdum will face a dangerous opponent in his first challenge. This Thursday, the former Ultimate champion will exchange forces against Renan Problem. To start off on the right foot, the gaucho analyzed his opponent and told him a little about his preparation for the show.

“I have (at the gym) a taller Mexican (than Renan). He helped me a lot, because he has a very long arm and a very good ground game. We did a lot sparring specific. (…) Talking a little about Renan, I didn’t know him very well. I didn't pay attention before, because we weren't at the same event. Now that we're at the same event, I've certainly watched a lot of his fights. I know he has a very good wingspan, he punches very well. (…) I'm going to make a good strategy to win in the first round. (…) For those who don't know, the PFL has the score: if it wins in the first round, it's six points; in the second, five; in the third, four. By points, there are three. So, it accumulates, to be able to pass the stage. (…) I don’t think I’ll have any problems with Renan making the pun”, joked Werdum.

Retirement

Considered one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of Brazilian MMA, Werdum recognizes that his retirement is not far away. Although he recognizes that he is still capable of playing for a while longer, the 43-year-old from Rio Grande do Sul is realistic about his remaining active time in the sport.

“I've been saying for many years that I'm retiring, but I can't, because it's difficult to stop doing what you love. If it was due to an injury, if I had a bad head, from taking so many punches, if I broke something in my body, it would be very serious. There was nothing like that, so I have no reason to stop. I like doing this. I'm in this transition, very aware of everything due to the fact that, sometimes, a fighter stops, gets depressed, turns to drugs”, he said.

last dance

The US$1 million prize awarded to the winner of the championship, of course, is an additional motivation for Fabrício to be participating in the PFL. However, even with a successful resume, the gaucho made it clear that his ultimate goal is to be at the top of the company, as he did during his UFC days.

“Of course my goal is to be champion of the event, obviously. I am 100% focused on this fight at the moment, which is on May 6th, to be able to take the second, third, fourth step towards the final”, he concluded.

Athlete's history

Professional in MMA since 2002, Werdum boasts a record with 36 commitments in the sport. Today, 'Vai Cavalo' has 24 wins, nine defeats and one draw. The Brazilian held the UFC heavyweight belt between 2015 and 2016.