Werdum (left) and Velasquez (right) during a press conference in Mexico. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
About to have the biggest fight of his career in November, when he will challenge the champion Cain Velazquez for the UFC heavyweight belt, Fabricio Werdum has exuded confidence in his game for the duel scheduled to take place in Mexico. The gaucho did not appear to be intimidated by the wrestling of a very high level from his rival and decided that he will be the first fighter to put Velasquez with his back against the ground.
“He (Velásquez) is an elite wrestler, he has been doing this since he was little. He has good boxing, but he doesn't shoot very well. His rhythm is difficult to break, he is a ground and pound machine. But I think his style matches mine perfectly. He’s never faced a heavyweight like me,” said Werdum, in an interview with the UFC’s official website. “When I started jiu-jitsu I focused a lot on self-defense. Having this strong foundation helps a lot. I can always rely on fitting a triangle or an omoplata or something. Another thing to take into account is that no one has ever seen it, but I will be the first to put Velásquez on his back. I will force some situations during combat that will make this easier. I want to see how he will manage”, he added.
Before facing Velasquez, however, Werdum will share technical duties with his rival in the first edition of TUF Latin America. “Vai Cavalo” commented on his performance in the reality show, whose recordings begin on May 12th in Las Vegas (USA). “With a quick look, I can see who is the best. I want the best on my team, and I'm not going to try to change anyone's game, that's nonsense. It is better to adjust the strategic part more, which is important to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, as athletes fight a lot on reality shows”, said the Brazilian, who revealed that he has already started designing the composition of his technical committee. “I don't know 100% yet, but basically it will be the group that has always helped me. Rafael Cordeiro, Wanderlei Silva, Cobrinha, Renato Babalu and others that I will still invite”, he concluded.
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