Cigano challenges Werdum and fighters exchange barbs in statements

Cigano (left) and Werdum (right) are declared enemies. (Photo: SUPER LUTAS Production / Getty Images)

The rivalry between Brazilians Fabricio Werdum and Junior 'Cigano' dos Santos continues to increase. After Cain Velásquez was removed from the fight against “Vai Cavalo” at UFC 207, on December 30th, due to an injury, Cigano wasted no time and challenged his compatriot, ensuring that a confrontation between them was offered by Dana White, president of the Ultimate, but the gaucho wouldn't have accepted it.

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“Mick Maynard, UFC matchmaker, as well as Dana White personally tried to make this fight happen. Unfortunately, Werdum denied it, so that's for another time. As for Werdum's statements, I think he was very unhappy. Offense is the weapon of cowards, and I believe the facts speak for themselves. As I often say, you can only fool people for long. I think today the mask has fallen off once and for all. If you remember, I said about a month ago – when I was asked in an interview – that, despite being willing to replace both Cain and Werdum, I thought Werdum would come up with some excuse to deny fighting me. And so it was, right… Not only was this fight proposed between me and Werdum, but even a work visa and logistical details were handled between my team and the UFC”, said Cigano.

Fabrício, in turn, used irony to rebut Dos Santos, calling into question his opponent's homosexuality.

“Gigano is there bugling because he’s out. Fans even said he was jealous, but I don't think he's jealous, I think Cigano hasn't come out of the closet. He can only like me, because I'm not the champion and the guy keeps teasing me, keeps bothering me. He has something with me, something unresolved. I have nothing against homosexuals, against gays, nothing, but I think Cigano didn't come out of the closet, because at no point was a fight against him considered, he was the one who came out speaking. He's talking to promote himself, because he's off the map. I'll fight anyone whenever, whenever I'm ready. Don't tell me that I'm scared, I've fought with the best my whole life, and Cigano should go look for someone else, because I'm married”, he declared, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.

Later, Werdum changed the version of his answer and accepted Cigano's challenge, guaranteeing that he would fight any opponent, regardless of who it was.

“I'm on hold. If the UFC calls me, I'll fight. I'm ready to fight. If the UFC says they have an opponent, I'll fight. I will fight anyone, as I always have. I always fought against the best. My cartel shows this. If I was afraid of someone, I wouldn't be in this sport. He (Cigano) said something yesterday, he said I'm not a good fighter. I'll show him inside the Octagon. Put us there now, no problem. He thinks I'm the same Werdum from 2007. Look at the two of us and see who's evolved more. My game changed completely (…). I want to fight on Friday. It's difficult because of the strategy, to prepare for someone days in advance. I've been thinking about Cain Velásquez for three or four months, training for him, but I'll fight anyone” concluded the Kings MMA fighter.

Declared enemies, the former UFC heavyweight champions have already faced each other once, in 2008. On that occasion, Cigano, who was making his debut in the organization, knocked out Werdum just over a minute into the fight.