Fabricio Werdum experienced the ultimate high when he finished Cain Velasquez and became UFC heavyweight champion.
But Werdum also went through the ultimate low, dropping the belt to Stipe Miocic in his first title defense earlier this year in Brazil.
Now, he looks to get back on track and pointed towards another crack at the champion when he meets Travis Browne for a second time Saturday night at UFC 203.
“I want to fight for the title again,” Werdum said. “I told UFC I wanted to fight soon. Stipe got a nice punch (to win the championship at UFC 198). I don’t have excuses.”
Originally, Werdum was to meet Ben Rothwell, but a training injury sidelined Rothwell and opened the door for Browne. Back in 2014, the Brazilian scored a decision victory over “Hapa” on his way to facing Velasquez.
“I’m very excited for this next fight,” he said. “I want to beat Travis Browne again; this time I want to finish him. After I beat Travis I will sit next to the Octagon and watch my next opponent.”
That match Werdum referenced is the headline bout, as Miocic makes his first title defense in his hometown against Alistair Overeem. Werdum and Overeem have faced off twice before, splitting their encounters.
“Whether it’s Stipe or Alistair, I don’t know. I asked UFC to fight on the same card as Stipe. This is my plan,” he said. “Our fights are on the same date. I can then get a rematch with him or Alistair Overeem. I finished Alistair in 2006 with a very nice kimura.
“I’ve fought with Overeem two times. We’re 1-1. My big goal is the belt. It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just want my belt again.”
Fabricio Werdum experienced the ultimate high when he finished Cain Velasquez and became UFC heavyweight champion.
But Werdum also went through the ultimate low, dropping the belt to Stipe Miocic in his first title defense earlier this year in Brazil.
Now, he looks to get back on track and pointed towards another crack at the champion when he meets Travis Browne for a second time Saturday night at UFC 203.
“I want to fight for the title again,” Werdum said. “I told UFC I wanted to fight soon. Stipe got a nice punch (to win the championship at UFC 198). I don’t have excuses.”
Originally, Werdum was to meet Ben Rothwell, but a training injury sidelined Rothwell and opened the door for Browne. Back in 2014, the Brazilian scored a decision victory over “Hapa” on his way to facing Velasquez.
“I’m very excited for this next fight,” he said. “I want to beat Travis Browne again; this time I want to finish him. After I beat Travis I will sit next to the Octagon and watch my next opponent.”
That match Werdum referenced is the headline bout, as Miocic makes his first title defense in his hometown against Alistair Overeem. Werdum and Overeem have faced off twice before, splitting their encounters.
“Whether it’s Stipe or Alistair, I don’t know. I asked UFC to fight on the same card as Stipe. This is my plan,” he said. “Our fights are on the same date. I can then get a rematch with him or Alistair Overeem. I finished Alistair in 2006 with a very nice kimura.
“I’ve fought with Overeem two times. We’re 1-1. My big goal is the belt. It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just want my belt again.”
