We haven’t see the former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum in action since March 2018 when he lost to Russia’s Alexander Volkov in the UFC London main event.
Werdum was hoping to return at UFC Moscow in September, but unfortunately, he failed a USADA test just days prior to his fight’s announcement. Thus leading to a two-year suspension.
His manager Ali Abdelaziz has already stated that the Volkov bout was likely his last, but now Werdum himself has revealed that he has requested his release from the UFC.
”My idea is to do the right thing, which would be rescind my contract with the UFC,” Werdum told PVT (translated by MMAFighting). “Ali [Abdelaziz] is a manager that defends us really well. He has a lot of famous fighters, many people, and to me, he’s the best manager right now, the one with the best direct contact with the UFC.
”What I would really like right now is to be free, that the UFC would have consideration with me and release me. It’s a matter of Ali talking with [Dana White] now. Ali really has a good friendship with Dana White. It’s not only up to Dana. They always say that, and I go talk to someone else and they say it’s not only up to them as well, it’s that game. I obviously love fighting in the UFC, but after this [situation], this unfair doping, I would like to fight in other promotions.”
In an attempt to try and make sure he gets his wish, Werdum also says he made it clear that he wouldn’t go and fight for any direct competition to the UFC… Perhaps such as someone like Bellator.
”I already told the UFC, I’ll sign a term that I would not fight in the United States anymore,” Werdum said. “I’d fight overseas, Japan, Russia, Europe, wherever, but I wouldn’t fight in the United States to cause no harm. I would sign that to be released. I just want to be free to do what I want, which is fight. It’s not about money. I still have a lot to show. I’m 41, but I feel like a kid.”
Where would you like to see the heavyweight legend take his skills for his next fight where ever it may be?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/3/2019