Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, who ran out his contract by submitting Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on ESPN 14 last July, will continue his mixed martial arts (MMA) career with Professional Fighters League (PFL).
A date and venue have yet to be revealed for the Brazilian’s debut but according to today’s release, the PFL’s 2021 season begins April 23 on ESPN2 with remaining regular season events taking place on April 29, May 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25.
“I am excited to announce Fabricio Werdum, the Tom Brady of MMA, has signed with the Professional Fighters League,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. “Fabricio is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and knows when he steps into the PFL cage this coming season, it is more than a fight. The PFL sport season format provides an opportunity to control his destiny, like all PFL fighters, with a transparent shot to earn another major global title and the PFL million dollar champions belt.”
Werdum (24-9-1) is one of the sport’s most dangerous ground fighters, having captured multiple medals for both IBJJF and ADCC. In addition to Gustafsson, “Vai Cavalo” has submitted the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Cain Velasquez, and Alistair Overeem, just to name a few.
Even at age 43, Werdum is likely to be the early favorite to win the 2021 heavyweight season, which comes with a new title for his mantle and a $1 million payout. The only downside is fans won’t get that Emelianenko rematch for Bellator MMA.