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Fabricio Werdum has some big plans for his UFC return in 2020.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum last stepped inside the UFC Octagon in March 2018, where he lost to younger contender Alexander Volkov via fourth-round TKO. Since then, he has spent most of his time on the sidelines after a USADA violation that resulted in a two-year suspension.
These days, the 42-year-old Werdum is already looking forward to his return in 2020. When asked whom he intends to fight next, “Val Cavalo” named the hard-hitting Francis Ngannou.
“The big guy, Francis Ngannou. He is a huge guy, a very strong guy,” Werdum told Sherdog (transcript via BJPenn.com). “But, I visualize the fight with him and I saw when I finish him. I do this a lot; I visualize all my fights.
“When I fought Cain Velasquez, remember when I won the belt? I visualized everything. I would go to Mexico, stay there for two months. And become very focused.”
Since his loss to Derrick Lewis in July 2018, “The Predator” put on a three-fight win streak, all of which ended via first-round knockout. Werdum, however, is looking to rely on his best weapon.
“I like the fight against Francis Ngannou. A big challenge for me, I know he is strong, but I believe I finish him on the ground.”
Werdum holds a record of 23-8-1. 11 of those victories ended by submission.