After a long-awaited 15-year hiatus, an unexpected rematch is finally becoming a reality in 2023.
Follow Us
After a long-awaited 15-year hiatus, an unexpected rematch is finally becoming a reality in 2023. Following their initial clash at UFC 90, where former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos made a resounding debut by delivering a stunning knockout blow to Fabricio Werdum, it seemed unlikely that fate would bring these two Brazilian fighters together again. However, against all odds, they are set to cross paths once more, but this time, it won’t be in the familiar setting of the Octagon.
During a recent interview with Portal do Vale Tudo, it was disclosed by dos Santos’ coach at American Top Team, Conan Silveira, that the preparations for the highly anticipated rematch between dos Santos and Werdum have already commenced.
Read More: Conor McGregor’s fiancée Dee Devlin stays supportive amidst rape allegations
The venue for their showdown adds an intriguing twist to the story. The two fighters are set to engage in a bare knuckle MMA bout, and the stage for this captivating event is expected to be none other than Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred FC in the month of August.
“Cigano has already started his camp.” Silveira said he’s fighting against Werdum on August 4 at this Jorge Masvidal event. “I don’t know if the news was out or if I’m messing up here, but that’s all right. We’ve already begun training. We officially started the camp yesterday. It’s bare knuckle MMA.”
While some may express concern over Junior dos Santos’ decision to enter a bare knuckle match following a string of five consecutive knockout losses, his coach Conan Silveira doesn’t share the same worries. Silveira believes that despite the recent setbacks, dos Santos remains physically and mentally unaffected. Despite turning 39 this year, dos Santos exudes a youthful spirit and resilience that gives Silveira the confidence that his fighter can still deliver a strong performance.
While Fabricio Werdum (24-9-1-1 NC) had initially pursued a high-profile football stadium showdown against PFL’s newest signee Francis Ngannou, it appears that he has temporarily settled for a bout against Cigano. The 45-year-old former champion’s last fight resulted in a TKO loss to Renan Ferreira, but the outcome was later overturned due to video evidence revealing Ferreira tapping to a triangle choke from Werdum earlier in the bout.
Junior dos Santos has faced five consecutive losses, all resulting from knockouts. His defeats came at the hands of notable opponents such as Francis Ngannou, Curtis Blaydes, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Ciryl Gane, and Yorgan de Castro (the latter being a TKO due to a shoulder injury). It’s worth noting that dos Santos, who is now 39 years old, last tasted victory in March 2019 when he secured a TKO win against Derrick Lewis.
Read More: Michael Chandler called out by Arman Tsarukyan as Conor McGregor fight uncertain
For more UFC news and updates click here
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
