Fabricio Werdum has been on a roll since returning the UFC in early 2012, and it appears he’s finally going to get his shot at the heavyweight title.
The 36-year-old has been lighting up the heavyweight division since coming over from Strikeforce, as he’s picked up three consecutive victories over tough opposition. “Vai Cavalo” defeated knockout artist Roy Nelson in his long-awaited return at UFC 143 in February of 2012. He then picked up two additional victories against Mike Russow and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, respectively.
His win over “Big Nog” back in June put Werdum firmly on the title radar. With Cain Velasquez successfully defending his title against Junior dos Santos at UFC 166 last Saturday, all signs are pointing to a showdown between the Brazilian submission ace and reigning heavyweight champion.
It is the fight Werdum has been campaigning for, and he believes he has the perfect style to dethrone Velasqeuz. The potential title contender spoke to UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani and discussed the reasons he believes he can defeat the No.1 heavyweight in the world.
“I have good jiu-jitsu,” Werdum said. “It’s my specialty. But if Velasquez takes me down I have a guard and I have confidence in my guard. I will try guillotines, triangles, armbars and try to sweep him because everyone has seen Cain Velasquez on the top, but they’ve never seen him on the ground. If I’m able to sweep him, how is he going to do in the guard?”
While no dates have been discussed for the proposed championship tilt, a meeting in early 2014 seems likely.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
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