MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 15: Fabricio Werdum of Brazil celebrates after knocking out Mark Hunt in their interim UFC heavyweight championship bout during the UFC 180 event at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 15, 2014 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Fabricio Werdum says UFC refused to release him; plans on fighting out contract
Former UFC heavyweight champion, Fabricio Werdum was looking to get out of his contract due to his USADA suspension. But, the Las Vegas-based promotion won’t cut him. Now, the Brazilian says he plans on fighting out his contract, which only has a few fights left.
“I have two more UFC fights. I tried to terminate the contract, but they didn’t let me, because I’m a former champion and they still wanted me around, so cutting ties right now is out of the table,” Werdum said to Combate (transcription by Bloody Elbow). “But if I had the possibility before, I would, because of my age, it would be better for my career. Since it wasn’t possible, I’ll stay fight two more times. Let’s see how it goes in the future.”
Fabricio Werdum has not fought since March of 2018 where he was knocked out by Alexander Volkov to snap his two-fight winning streak. As mentioned, he has been out due to a USADA suspension, but the former champ says he never took anything and believes it was from a bad supplement.
“I thought it was unfair, because I’m aware I didn’t take anything. I know it, I know it was a contamination. It’s tough because I have 28 USADA tests and never had a problem, but my background meant nothing to them. I think they made an example out of me because I have a big name and am used to be an UFC champion. They knew there was very little of the substance,” Werdum said.
“The most surprising thing was that I tested positive, they didn’t say anything. They just came a week later to test me again and that one came out negative. Once again, this shows the contamination. I think they are experienced enough when someone is taking something on purpose and when it’s a contamination.”
When he will return to the Octagon is unknown. But the 41-year-old says he wants to fight out his contract.
