Fabricio Werdum may not be calling it a day after all.
The former UFC heavyweight champion was not included in the PFL’s recently-announced heavyweight roster for its upcoming 2022 season.
That’s despite the fact that he only signed with the promotion last year.
Werdum would later tell Brazilian publication Ag.Fight that he was considering retirement from the sport, citing a lack of motivation to devote time to a training camp.
However, boxing was another story.
“It’s a bit complicated to say that to a fighter after 24 years of fighting,” Werdum said. “Even my wife keeps telling me to say I’m retired, that I’m done. I tell her I won’t say it. … But talking about MMA, I think it’s hard for me to come back because it’s more dedication, staying two, three months in the United States, and I’m living in Brazil for a year and three months now.
“If there’s a boxing match, I’d do it. … To sum it up: boxing, yes. MMA, no. It would need to be an out-of-this-world offer to make me stop doing what I’ve been doing right now.”
Fabricio Werdum Has Change Of Heart
Less than a month later, Werdum has changed his mind (via Brett Okamoto) as he wants to compete for the PFL this year.
His ideal date? June 24.
“After considering retirement from MMA earlier this year, Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) has decided he still wants to compete for the PFL in 2022. Has asked for a fight on June 24. First reported by Sherdog, confirmed by his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00).”
After considering retirement from MMA earlier this year, Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) has decided he still wants to compete for the PFL in 2022. Has asked for a fight on June 24. First reported by Sherdog, confirmed by his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00).
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 18, 2022
Werdum signed with the PFL last year and would compete just once in a fight with Renan Ferreira.
It was a first-round TKO win for Ferreira which was later overturned to a no contest after the referee missed a tap from Ferreira prior to the finish.
