Fabricio Werdum did mention before that he would be open to a rematch with Cain Velasquez but the latest word around is that he may not necessarily be the first in line.
In a previous article, we did mention that Werdum’s coach Rafael Cordeiro believes that Velasquez deserves a rematch considering his history and what he has given the UFC. However, it apparently did not follow that the rematch would be at the top of the list.
In the same post, Dana White did mention two names – Andre Arlovski and Stipe Miocic – who could be Werdum’s next opponent. Of the two, a match with Arlovski would be interesting since Werdum may want to avenge his previous loss to the Bealrusian mixed martial artist.
Known as the Pit Bull, Arlovski won via unanimous decision over Werdum at UFC 170 in 2007. He is currently on a five-fight winning streak and his momentum could be rewarded with a match against the reigning UFC Heavyweight champion.
As far as Werdum is concerned, a match with Arlovski is pretty much welcome. In fact he believes that a second meeting will render a different result.
“I would like to fight Arlovski because it was a close fight, a split decision, an ugly fight that nobody liked, and I think I won. Arlovski next might be a good idea,” Werdum was quoted as saying.
If not Arlovski, another familiar name is being tossed in the mix – Junior “Cigano” dos Santos.
Like Arlovski, Cigano and Werdum have a history.
Back in 2008, Cigano scored a first-round knockout on Werdum, a loss that went as far as seeing him being released from his UFC contract.
“I want this rematch with ‘Cigano’ because I was not a professional the first time we fought. Not taking anything away from him. He went there and knocked me out, and then he won the UFC title. He deserved it. But I learned a lot with it. That loss changed my entire career,” says Werdum.
From the looks of it, it is turning out to be more of payback for Werdum. But of the two, he prefers to face Arlovski first.
His reason? Arlovsi is a former UFC champion and he believes that the fight will sell.
Mixing revenge as well as a good selling point sounds well and good as far as Werdum’s next opponent is concerned. So does this mean that Cain Velasquez may have to wait in line (third to be exact)?