F. Werdum is a former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @werdum
Living with great anticipation of putting on the gloves again to debut in the GFL, Fabricio Werdum ended fans' dreams after announcing his departure from the newly-formed organization. Previously scheduled to face Frank mir, the Brazilian was left without an opponent after the veteran withdrew and ended up becoming discouraged about continuing training.
“Master Rafael Cordeiro came to Brazil to train me with André Dida. Everything was fine, everything was going well, I was happy, very motivated. People were saying that I was doing really well. My head is always racing (…) when I saw some bad news: I had fallen Frank mir. He's going to have back surgery, he had a very serious injury, something like that, and it's already discouraged me. But I didn't show it much. I'm the kind of guy who doesn't show much negativity, I'm always in a good mood, so I don't want to show it. I tried not to show it to master Rafael Cordeiro, to Dida, to our whole team, Wanderlei Silva, everyone there. But everyone noticed that I wasn't very happy,” Werdum told Canal Combate.
Despite trying to hide his feelings of demotivation, Werdum could not handle the 'pressure' and ended up giving in, saying that he would not be able to remain motivated.
"Frank mir It made sense because I had been considered fighting him a few times in the past. (…) There was this situation where he pulled out of the thing (the card), and I didn't want to show it, but I couldn't... even Wanderlei noticed, the master also (said): 'Man, Werdum, you don't have that desire' I said: 'Man, I'm going to tell you the truth: I got discouraged, I don't have the same desire as before, I don't know who I'm going to fight, they haven't offered me anyone yet, I'm undecided. They're changing the date'”, he concluded.
Frank mir was scheduled to face F. Werdum. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Finally, the Brazilian announced that he had retired from the league.
“So, here’s an exclusive for you guys, I hadn’t told anyone yet. I’m not going to fight in the GFL anymore. I hope it’s a really cool event, I really support the event, so that it gives other people, legends, the opportunity to fight once again. I want it to be successful, I believe that this is normal, this indecision, until the event gets the shape it needs and really goes all out, two, three, four editions, even more, but I decided not to fight, I went back home, I’m now in Florianópolis. I’ve revamped my entire schedule, I’m getting my life back, without thinking about the fight. I’m 47 years old,” he concluded.
Away from professional MMA since 2021, Werdum had his last appearance against Renan Problem in the PFL, where he ended up having a fight without result. Two years later, the athlete ventured into the sport again, but without gloves and was defeated by Junior Gypsy in the judges' decision.
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