Werdum admits that he will not support Cigano and sees Miocic as the favorite

Werdum commented on the main fight of UFC 211. (Photo: Getty Images)

Fabricio Werdum does not make a point of hiding his feud with Junior Gypsy. Declared dislike of the Santa Catarina native, 'Vai Cavalo', was sincere in admitting that he will not support his compatriot on May 13th, when Cigano will face the champion Stipe Miocic in the main fight of UFC 211, in a fight valid for the heavyweight belt.

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“And then people will ask: “But aren’t you going to support Cigano?” No, I'm not going to support Cigano. For people who don't know, we have a feud, but he was the one who created it, I didn't create it as much. We fought in 2007 or 2008, but he started saying a lot about me on the internet and I didn't think it was cool. I was no longer the champion for him to say anything about me. There's even a story that, when I fought Cain Velásquez in Mexico, Cigano was there as a guest fighter. Some of my friends who were close to him told me that he was rooting for me a lot, that he was thrilled when I won. But I said there was no way. He wasn't supporting because I'm Brazilian, because he's my friend, because we're not friends. What was his thinking? “I’ve already lost twice to Cain Velásquez, I beat Werdum once back there.” So, in his head, he thinks he beats me, but he doesn't beat Velásquez. That's why he was rooting for me, because he thought I was going to win the belt and he was going to take the belt from me. However, I think the opposite will happen now, because he thought he was going to take the belt from me, but I know I'm going to take Cigano's belt. If he beats Miocic, we'll fight”, declared the fighter, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.

Asked about the rematch that will define the next heavyweight champion, Werdum was sincere in saying that he saw Cigano winning in the first confrontation, which took place in December 2014. Now, however, the Brazilian sees Miocic with a greater chance of leaving with the arm raised after the duel.

“I see a very interesting fight, because Miocic and Cigano have already fought. It was a very even fight, lasting five rounds, so it was 2-2 and, in the fifth round, Cigano actually won. A lot of people gave the victory to Miocic, but I gave it to Cigano, because I thought he really won, made the difference, put him down, gave more rhythm to the fight. However, I think the rematch will be different. As Miocic is the current champion, I think there is that thing about the champion's confidence. I've already felt this, it happens, and he will win on points. I think it will be a very similar fight, but I think Miocic will win this time”, he concluded.

Fabricio Werdum He also returns to the Octagon at UFC 211. He faces American Ben Rothwell, and a victory could put him close to a new title shot.