UFC President Dana White announced at a press conference on Thursday that the winner of the UFC on Fox 11 main event showdown between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne will fight heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez in Mexico, barring any unforeseen com…
UFC President Dana White announced at a press conference on Thursday that the winner of the UFC on Fox 11 main event showdown between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne will fight heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez in Mexico, barring any unforeseen complications.
Fox Sports’ Damon Martin tweeted the news Thursday afternoon during the conference:
Velasquez was already scheduled to face Werdum in Mexico some time in 2014, but after the champ underwent surgery for a torn labrum on his left shoulder, the UFC halted expansion efforts to Mexico, and the fight was delayed.
After realizing that Velasquez needed a considerable amount of time to recover, the promotion booked Werdum vs. Browne in the meantime at UFC on Fox 11 on April 19. The winner of this fight was expected to receive a title shot at the time of announcement.
At the press conference, we learned that this is indeed the case, and the title fight will take place in Mexico, where Velasquez will undoubtedly enjoy a strong home-field advantage.
While this news is not exactly shocking, it does add some intrigue to the UFC on Fox 11 main event.
Since Werdum and Browne are ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the UFC heavyweight division, most fans and critics expected a title shot to follow for the winner.
For his part, Browne pieced together a three-fight winning streak in 2013—all via knockout and all against solid opposition in Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem and Josh Barnett.
Werdum, meanwhile, has fought just three times since February 2012 with his most recent fight coming against Antonio Rodgrio Nogueira in June 2013.
During that stretch, Werdum posted a 3-0 record with a TKO victory over Mike Russow, a decision victory over Roy Nelson and a submission via armbar victory over Nogueira.
Browne has been the more active of the two recently, and he has also posted the more impressive victories, in my opinion.
That said, Werdum’s muay thai is ever-improving, and his Brazilian jiu-jitsu game is arguably the best in the weight class, making him a considerable threat anywhere the fight goes.
Who do you see taking the fight and meeting Velasquez in Mexico? Will it be Werdum or Browne?
The next heavyweight title challenger will be determined when Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne meet at UFC on Fox 11 on Saturday.
Since making his return to the Octagon, Werdum has won three in a row. Dominating Roy Nelson, stopping Mike Russow and su…
The next heavyweight title challenger will be determined when Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne meet at UFC on Fox 11 on Saturday.
Since making his return to the Octagon, Werdum has won three in a row. Dominating Roy Nelson, stopping Mike Russow and submitting Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Werdum once again established himself as one of the top heavyweights in MMA.
Browne, meanwhile, has been getting it done with his striking. After recovering from an injury sustained during a loss to Antonio Silva, Browne has scored opening-round knockouts against Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem and Josh Barnett.
While Werdum and Browne bring very different styles to the Octagon, one of them is almost certain to be the next to challenge champion Cain Velasquez. As this title-shot eliminator approaches, here is a closer look at how the heavyweights match up in all areas.
(Pictured above: A perfect example of the Easy Money/KILL IT WITH FIRE dichotomy of MMA gambling.)
With the UFC alone churning out an event a week nowadays, there has never been a better time to be an MMA fan with a crippling gambling addiction. But being that we have neither the time nor the patience to dedicate an entire article to the moneymaking opportunities present in Richard Walsh vs. Chris Indich (<—actual fight happening this week), we’ve instead rounded up our two most compulsive gamblers, staff writers Jared Jonesand Seth Falvo, and had them highlight the best fights to bet on this month, “versus” style, in a revamped version of the gambling addiction enabler you all know and love. Enjoy.
Seth: You really have to love the irony here: Jake Shields was released from the UFC because he’ll never be a contender. The next four guys to headline UFC cards? Big Nog, Roy Nelson, Tim Kennedy and Michael Bisping. Oh man, that’s good stuff.
Anyways, Bisping shall take the unanimous decision. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jared: Ugh, another Michael Bisping fight featuring a heated build-up that is all but guaranteed to underwhelm once the actual cage door closes. I hate to agree with my fellow staffer, for he is a contemptuous scoundrel of the worst nature, but Bisping should use his length and endless gastank to jab and jog his way to another UD here. Kennedy may have been able to KO Rafael Natal (on few days notice) in front of his fellow rangers, but this fight should go down in incredibly similar fashion to his fight with Luke Rockhold, with Kennedy unable to secure a takedown and coming up short on the majority of his punches.
Bisping is being slightly undervalued here in my opinion, and at his current return is good enough to make a parlay. What? PATRIOTISM HAS NO PLACE IN THE GAMBLING SPECTRUM.
(Pictured above: A perfect example of the Easy Money/KILL IT WITH FIRE dichotomy of MMA gambling.)
With the UFC alone churning out an event a week nowadays, there has never been a better time to be an MMA fan with a crippling gambling addiction. But being that we have neither the time nor the patience to dedicate an entire article to the moneymaking opportunities present in Richard Walsh vs. Chris Indich (<—actual fight happening this week), we’ve instead rounded up our two most compulsive gamblers, staff writers Jared Jonesand Seth Falvo, and had them highlight the best fights to bet on this month, “versus” style, in a revamped version of the gambling addiction enabler you all know and love. Enjoy.
Seth: You really have to love the irony here: Jake Shields was released from the UFC because he’ll never be a contender. The next four guys to headline UFC cards? Big Nog, Roy Nelson, Tim Kennedy and Michael Bisping. Oh man, that’s good stuff.
Anyways, Bisping shall take the unanimous decision. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jared: Ugh, another Michael Bisping fight featuring a heated build-up that is all but guaranteed to underwhelm once the actual cage door closes. I hate to agree with my fellow staffer, for he is a contemptuous scoundrel of the worst nature, but Bisping should use his length and endless gastank to jab and jog his way to another UD here. Kennedy may have been able to KO Rafael Natal (on few days notice) in front of his fellow rangers, but this fight should go down in incredibly similar fashion to his fight with Luke Rockhold, with Kennedy unable to secure a takedown and coming up short on the majority of his punches.
Bisping is being slightly undervalued here in my opinion, and at his current return is good enough to make a parlay. What? PATRIOTISM HAS NO PLACE IN THE GAMBLING SPECTRUM.
Jared: It’s getting more and more difficult to bet against Browne at this point in his career. The man is coming off back-to-back-to-back Knockout of the Nights, each one more violent than the last, and has twice shown that he can finish a fight while fending off a takedown. He’s also never been submitted. Werdum’s striking is ever-improving, sure, but his only chance here is to get this thing to the ground early and hope that doesn’t wake up dead whilst attempting to do so. I wouldn’t suggest a straight bet here, but the +100 prop that Browne wins inside the distance is a solid gamble.
Seth: You know, I really have to disagree/agree with Jared here: Fabricio Werdum has been on top of his game since returning to the UFC and he should OH MY GOD THAT MAN IS DEAD! TRAVIS BROWNE IS THE FUTURE, I SAYS!”
Seth: I’m putting this fight in “Stay the Hell Away From” territory, out of sheer principle. Teixeira is a beast, there’s no question about that. But after watching him get rocked by Fabio Maldonado during the first round of that massacre, I can’t in good conscience tell you guys to bet money on him being the guy to defeat Jon Jones. As for betting on Jones? If I advised you to place a bet that would pay you $1.60 for every ten bucks you wagered, I’d never be able to drink an EXTREME SPORTS ENERGY DRINK!!!1!one!!1! again without feeling like a fraud.
Look, if you really want to bet on this fight, the under on the prop that this fight lasts three and a half rounds (currently sitting at -155) is the way to go. I’d be surprised if this one makes it out of the first round.
Jared: Not only was Teixeira rocked by Fabio Maldonado, he was rocked by Ryan Bader, a.k.a the guy who never even touched Jon Jones in their fight at UFC 126 a.k.a Tito Ortiz‘s last victory. Teixeira hits hard, but so does Alexander Gustafsson, and the Brazilian is way too flat-footed to keep up with the champ. That said, I like the +255 prop that “Bones” wins by five round decision. Why? Because Jon Jones is easily ten times more arrogant than Anderson Silva ever was (I blame the surname), and it’s only a matter of time before he has his UFC 97/UFC 112 moment.
Seth: Call me crazy, but Sam Stout at -115 against KJ Noons is a downright steal, and even though their first contest was close, I fully expect Sarah Kaufman to walk away victorious against Leslie Smith again. You may want to lock in Phil Davis at -185, because I sincerely doubt he’s staying under -200 by the time fight week comes around (I’m also pretty confident he’ll win, in case it isn’t obvious). Benavidez at -365 is barely worth the risk as a parlay addition, so go ahead and lock that up before it spirals toward -500 territory.
Jared: Sam Stout couldn’t finish a Cody McKenzie in basketball shorts who might’ve been drunk at the time and has gone win-loss since 2012. Noons to win via superior boxing. And as far as parlay bets go, it would be wise to lock down Mitch Gagnon at -285 over Tim Gorman, as it’s arguably the easiest money on the TUF Nations card.
Honestly, one of the best lines I’ve seen out there is Dustin Kimura vs. George Roop-JUST HEAR ME OUT FOR A SECOND. Roop may be one of the most inconsistent fighters in the UFC, but when he’s on, he’s on. Listed as just a -120 favorite over Kimura, an up-and-comer with decent submission skills and an unpolished striking game, a small bet on a veteran like Roop wouldn’t be the dumbest thing you could ever do. I know, I’ll see myself out.
True story: I made $80 betting on a fighter I’ve never heard of during UFC Fight Night 38. I knew absolutely nothing about Thiago Santos, other than he was a +800 underdog (?!) against -700 favorite (?!?!) Ronny Markes (?!?!?!). “There are very few fighters who should ever be -700 favorites in the UFC,” I thought before betting ten bucks on Santos. “Ronny Markes sure as hell isn’t one of them.”
I’m using the exact same school of thought here by advising you to bet on Tim Boetsch. Luke Rockhold at -1000 is ri-goddamn-diculous.
Jared: I wholeheartedly agree with your logic here, as you’d think Rockhold was fighting a UFC newb specializing in R.I.P, not a legitimate veteran who is 6-3 in his past 9 UFC contests, based on that absolutely insane line. Tim Boetsch has shown in the past that he can pull victory from the jaws of defeat, and while I think Rockhold holds an advantage in pretty much every conceivable category here, there’s no way I’d pass up a 5 dollar wager on a gritty sumbitch like Boetsch to make 32ish back.
Stay the Hell Away From UFC TUF Nations Finale (April 16): Kyle Noke (-105) vs. Patrick Cote (-115) UFC TUF Nations Finale (April 16): Mark Bocek (-485) vs. Mike de la Torre (+350)
Seth: I can’t think of a single reason why Mike de la Torre has a chance at winning this fight, but then again, I also can’t think of a single reason why Mark Bocek is at -495 BOOKIES WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS ISN’T FUNNY. As for the co-main event that at least seven people are talking about? I’ll probably make a prediction for that fight by flipping a coin while they’re touching gloves before the start of round one. Just sit these two out.
Jared: Your lack of respect for Canada’s first Jiu Jitsu black belt is upsetting, to say the least. A quick look over Bocek’s record reveals that his only losses in the past 4 years have come to top contenders and future champions, and all by way of decision. Throw in the fact that he’s facing a late-replacement opponent, a UFC newcomer, nicknamed “El Cucuy,” and you’ve got all the justification for that line you will ever need.
And that co-main event you speak of? Noke’s to lose, in my opinion. Patrick Cote may have been a one-time title challenger at 185, but his only win at welterweight was a squeaker over Bobby Voelker back in March of 2013. While Noke has been on the shelf for even longer than his Canadian counterpart, I fully expect him to utilize his long jab and mix in some takedowns en route to a UD victory.
Seth: So you’d place a straight bet on him to win?
Suggested Stakes for a $50 Wager Seth: $20 on Bisping+Stout+Kaufman parlay
$20 on Davis+Benavidez parlay (yes, you should lock up those odds now)
$10 on Tim Boetsch
Jared: $20 on a Bisping+Kaufman+Gagnon
$20 on Davis+Benavidez+Miller
$5 on “The Barbarian”
$5 on a mega-super-buster parlay of Bisping+Kaufman+Gagnon+Noons+Roop
There’s a lot on the line for Travis Browne at UFC on Fox 11 as he takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard Fabricio Werdum, but that hasn’t phased the heavyweight contender.
Browne took a few moments to speak with Bleacher Report MMA about head…
There’s a lot on the line for Travis Browne at UFC on Fox 11 as he takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard Fabricio Werdum, but that hasn’t phased the heavyweight contender.
Browne took a few moments to speak with Bleacher Report MMA about headlining the card and his thoughts heading into the showdown with Werdum.
“This is the second time I’ve headlined an UFC card but I’ve changed my mindset this time around,” Browne said. “One of the things I learned about myself is not to allow other people’s pressure to get to me.”
Indeed the scope of this matchup is quite different than Browne’s first headline event against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva back in October of 2012. That card was on FX and didn’t have the title implications that his next fight has.
Still, the ramifications inside the cage haven’t changed who Browne is as a person.
“I’m still the guy that won’t say no to somebody,” Browne said. “Unfortunately I can’t get to everybody but the UFC reps and people around me have learned that I’m not an a******. I won’t say no to fans.”
Werdum was scheduled to get the next crack at the heavyweight strap after Cain Velasquez defeated Junior dos Santos once more. But with the champion on the shelf due to an injury, the Brazilian decided to stay busy and take the fight with Browne.
The Jackson’s MMA fighter meanwhile has skyrocketed up the UFC heavyweight rankings by spending just over six minutes in the Octagon in 2013. Browne landed spectacular knockouts against all three of his 2013 opponents, including an incredible come-from-behind win against Alistair Overeem.
One of the traits that has served Browne so well during his MMA career has been his athleticism. Although standing at 6’7″, Browne has never been considered a “big guy” which suits him just fine.
“I never expected to be the bigger guy,” Browne said. “When I was playing sports like basketball I wasn’t the bigger guy; I had to use my quickness and agility. Playing traditional team sports like basketball and football help you become more of an athlete. Basketball contributed a lot to me being athletic.”
Werdum won’t be totally unfamiliar of Browne’s athletic ability when the two meet at UFC on Fox 11 as the two have trained together before, something Werdum has been sure to point out.
That’s like comparing apples to oranges. It doesn’t make sense why someone would talk about something from four years ago, especially in this game. He’s talking like I’m the same fighter; that’s fine with me. If you think that then you have problems. I don’t understand why he’s bringing it up and not being 100-percent honest about it. We know it went down and minus the details it wasn’t as good for him as he makes it out to be.
Browne did also point out that he’s not willing to wait around as long as it takes for Velasquez to return should he beat Werdum.
“If he comes back around October or November, I will definitely wait,” Browne said. “If it’s going to be a year to year and half I want to get another fight in.”
Browne will have the chance to prove to Werdum just how much he’s improved since then in the UFC on Fox 11 main event. The card will be co-headlined by a women’s bantamweight bout between Miesha Tate and Liz Carmouche. Also on the card is an exciting lightweight scrap between Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and EdsonBarboza.
Unless noted, all quotes were obtained by the author.
(Ugh. It’s like the UFC poster-designers don’t even *care* anymore. / Actual props: MMAHeat)
UFC president Dana White confirmed today that the heavyweight title eliminator between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne will serve as the main event for UFC on FOX 11 (April 19th, Orlando). Reportedly, the UFC was trying to find an even bigger fight to headline the card, but they couldn’t make it happen, so Vai Cavalho vs. Hapa will have to do. For a free show, we ain’t complaining.
Werdum has gone 3-0 since returning to the UFC in 2012, racking up wins over Roy Nelson, Mike Russow, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Browne has his own three-fight win streak going, with consecutive knockouts of Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem, and Josh Barnett, all in the first round. The winner will face reigning heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the end of this year, assuming his shoulder heals according to schedule.
In semi-related news, beloved middleweight heel Michael Bisping has finally been cleared to compete again, after spending some time being jerked around by eye-doctors. Due to complications from a detachedretina, Bisping has been inactive since his gouge-powered TKO win against Alan Belcher in April. Now, the Count will finally get to face off against his American nemesis Tim Kennedy at the Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia live finale, April 16th at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City.
(Question for all my fellow Patrick Cote superfans in the house: How crazy was the last episode of TUF Nations? I mean, when the one guy and the other guy started shoving each other, and the first guy was like “I came here to win bro,” and the other guy just started screaming in French and threw a chair through a glass door? And later, when those other two guys fought and the Australian almost hit that flying armbar, then…you know what, I’ll stop. I don’t want to spoil it for the rest of you. You’ve been DVR’ing the show, right?)
(Ugh. It’s like the UFC poster-designers don’t even *care* anymore. / Actual props: MMAHeat)
UFC president Dana White confirmed today that the heavyweight title eliminator between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne will serve as the main event for UFC on FOX 11 (April 19th, Orlando). Reportedly, the UFC was trying to find an even bigger fight to headline the card, but they couldn’t make it happen, so Vai Cavalho vs. Hapa will have to do. For a free show, we ain’t complaining.
Werdum has gone 3-0 since returning to the UFC in 2012, racking up wins over Roy Nelson, Mike Russow, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Browne has his own three-fight win streak going, with consecutive knockouts of Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem, and Josh Barnett, all in the first round. The winner will face reigning heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the end of this year, assuming his shoulder heals according to schedule.
In semi-related news, beloved middleweight heel Michael Bisping has finally been cleared to compete again, after spending some time being jerked around by eye-doctors. Due to complications from a detachedretina, Bisping has been inactive since his gouge-powered TKO win against Alan Belcher in April. Now, the Count will finally get to face off against his American nemesis Tim Kennedy at the Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia live finale, April 16th at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City.
(Question for all my fellow Patrick Cote superfans in the house: How crazy was the last episode of TUF Nations? I mean, when the one guy and the other guy started shoving each other, and the first guy was like “I came here to win bro,” and the other guy just started screaming in French and threw a chair through a glass door? And later, when those other two guys fought and the Australian almost hit that flying armbar, then…you know what, I’ll stop. I don’t want to spoil it for the rest of you. You’ve been DVR’ing the show, right?)
Red-hot heavyweights Travis Browne and Fabricio Werdum are officially set to do battle at UFC on Fox 11 in April.
As the quintessential top contenders in the division, the winner of their showdown will more than likely challenge champion Cain Velasquez…
Red-hot heavyweights Travis Browne and Fabricio Werdum are officially set to do battle at UFC on Fox 11 in April.
As the quintessential top contenders in the division, the winner of their showdown will more than likely challenge champion Cain Velasquez at the end of 2014 or the start of 2015.
Needless to say, this is a big opportunity for both fighters.
For Browne, a 31-year-old knockout specialist who is hellbent on solidifying his spot in the sport, a victory over an elite veteran like Werdum would be monumental.
For Werdum, an aging 36-year-old submission guru, a victory over a rising superstar would remind people that he’s still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
In any case, the Hawaiian and the Brazilian are going to wage unfathomable carnage when they meet inside the Octagon. Here’s an early head-to-toe breakdown of their matchup in Orlando.
UFC President Dana White announced at a press conference on Thursday that the winner of the UFC on Fox 11 main event showdown between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne will fight heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez in Mexico, barring any unforeseen complications.
