Minotauro believes in Werdum's chances against Velasquez

Minotauro (right) says that Werdum (left) has a chance on the ground against Velasquez. Photo: UFC/Disclosure

Rodrigo Minotauro believe that Fabricio Werdum is a candidate to unseat the current UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velazquez, in his next belt defense.

The leader of Team Nogueira has already faced both fighters: against Velasquez, in 2010, he was knocked out in the first round; Against Werdum, he has a victory, in 2006, and a defeat by submission, in June of this year. Precisely the last fight qualified Werdum to challenge the champion, although no date or location for the confrontation has been made official.

In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Minotauro acknowledged that Velasquez is a more complete fighter, but pointed to the danger brought by Werdum in the ground game. “Velasquez has more volume and is the guy who will push the pace of the fight, for sure. If the fight goes to a decision or if it's all about striking, he's more consistent, as I think he'd get the better of the pace, the takedowns, the boxing. He has more game”, pointed out the former PRIDE and UFC champion. “But Werdum has his chances if the fight goes to the ground. He will lunge for a submission. He has already submitted Fedor [Emelianenko], he has already submitted me, he is a natural finisher, so he has a good chance”, added Minotauro.

The fight against Werdum will be Velasquez's sixth consecutive fight against Brazilian fighters, since, since 2011, he has faced Junior Gypsy (three times) and Antônio “Pezão” Silva (twice).