Fabricio Werdum wrote a lengthy note to explain why he chose not to fight Stipe Miocic at UFC 196, feeling it will be better for his future.
UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum is sad he had to pull out of UFC 196 so close to its date. However, as he wrote on a note sent to the press, he doesn’t regret the decision one bit. Combate reported that “Vai Cavalo” felt he would be overly criticized if did not have a great fight because of his injuries, so he decided it would be better not to fight altogether.
Furthermore, he compares what could have been his downfall to what happened to great fighters such as Anderson Silva, Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones when they lost their titles. Here’s what he wrote.
“Not fighting was the best decision of my life. Not fighting Velasquez nor Miocic or anybody. Of course I’m sad I’m not going to fight, I had a back injury, but at the same time I’m happy because I’m able to see the big picture. It’s just a phase.
Some people said some really bad stuff about me. Really bad. Others, like relatives and friends, supported me. I thought about how cruel people can be. I don’t second guess my choice, I’m sure it was the best for me. I was criticized when I didn’t even lose. I decided not to fight because of my health, in order to keep fighting in the future. Can you imagine if I ended up without a much more serious injury, like ending up paraplegic or something like that? I wondered if those people would still care about me afterwards or it’s just because I have the belt now?
I thought about Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, with the drug problems. Ronda Rousey, the way everyone just attacked her. I didn’t lose and everyone is attacking me. It was a great decision. It allowed me to see who is who and who’s with me when the hard times come. I love to fight and to put on a show. These people who criticized me should look at themselves and their lives. I just needed to get this out my chest, but I’ll say it again. Choosing not to fight and thinking what was best for me was the best decision of my life.”
Werdum was supposed to fight Cain Velasquez at UFC 196, on February 6, in Las Vegas. Although Stipe Miocic offered to replace Velasquez, Werdum turned down the fight and the card was moved to Fox Sports 1 where it will now be headlined by Johny Hendricks and Stephen Thompson.