Werdum criticizes Cigano: 'He thought about the belt and got knocked out'

F. Werdum (photo) defends belt in February against Velasquez. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Expectations of a rematch between Fabricio Werdum e junior gypsy were momentarily cooled by the former champion's recent defeat to alistair overeem, in December. It was the cue for the current heavyweight belt holder to needle his tormentor, who he considers to have underestimated the Dutchman and, therefore, suffered defeat.

See too

Werdum warns Velasquez: 'Be careful with your right arm'

Cigano criticizes Werdum for 'picking fights': 'He doesn't belong in the position he occupies'

UFC Orlando: Cigano loses by knockout to Overeem

Since Werdum won the title, Cigano has publicly challenged him. One of the arguments most used by the Santa Catarina native was his victory over the Gaucho in 2008, in his UFC debut. Werdum, however, considers that Cigano made a mistake in thinking directly about fighting for the belt, and that the same applies to Andrei Arlovski, who lost in January to Stipe Miocic.

“I thought that both Cigano and Arlovski made the same mistake: they thought about the belt and underestimated their opponents. They both talked a lot and were knocked out”, said Werdum, to the “Sherdog” website.

Miocic was precisely the athlete who most impressed the champion. “He was in great shape, with heavy hands. He proved this by going over Arlovski, who is known for not having a very strong chin”, he analyzed.

However, focused on his fight against Cain Velazquez, in February, Werdum suggested a fight between Miocic and Overeem, in order to avoid them being inactive for a long time. “Maybe the UFC should pit Miocic against Overeem to see who deserves to fight for the belt more. The UFC just announced events in Croatia and the Netherlands, and in both cases this fight would be a good main event”, commented.

Werdum will defend his first belt on February 6th, in Las Vegas (USA), against Velasquez, who was his last opponent.