Coach bets on Werdum's advantage over Cigano in the event of a rematch: 'He has evolved more'

Werdum (left) and Cigano (right) faced each other in 2008. Photo: Publicity

In October 2008, the then UFC newcomer junior gypsy shook up the heavyweight category by impressively knocking out the experienced Fabricio Werdum. Almost seven years have passed and the two could once again be on a collision course in the future, this time for the belt of the biggest MMA organization on the planet.

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If the rematch actually happens, the result of the fight will be different compared to the first meeting. At least that's what Rafael Cordeiro, responsible for sharpening Werdum's muay thai in recent years, guarantees. For the coach, the gaucho showed greater progress in his game, and would be able to defeat Cigano, known for his sharp boxing, standing up.

“After what I saw him do last Saturday [13, at UFC 188], I believe he can dominate anyone in the division, including Cigano. Of course, Cigano is a great fighter, but Werdum is going through a better phase and has developed his technique more, evolved more”, analyzed Cordeiro, in an interview with the “AgFight” website.

“Werdum is an athlete who has been training with me for eight years and has seen incredible evolution in his game. It's difficult to see an athlete at his peak at 37 years old, but he trains hard for it. Today I can tell you that he became a first class striker, he proved that against Travis Browne, against Mark Hunt and last Saturday, against Cain [Velasquez]. He was far superior to Velasquez on the feet and, nowadays, when you face Werdum, you can be sure that he is prepared in all areas. Fabrício is very different from the athlete who faced Cigano and is ready to fight on his feet, if this fight happens”, continued the coach, leader of the King's MMA gym.

However, it seems that the rematch between Cigano and Werdum should take a little longer to happen. According to UFC president, Dana White, the first challenger for Werdum's belt should be Andrei Arlovski ou Stipe Miocic.

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