As previously published in this month’s issue of NOCAUTE magazine, ADCC champion Fabrício Werdum openly stated his desire to face Russia’s Fedor Emelianenko.
Werdum in action against Pezão. Photo: Esther Lin
“I’ll be well prepared for sure. I trained a lot for my last fight, but for Fedor I’ll need more time. He’s the best in the world and I respect him a lot. He’s the man, good on the ground, good standing and is a warrior. He never gets the worst of things. But I think my time has come. A lot of people have faced him before and I have a right to, too. I would be really happy with such an opportunity and, although some people don’t believe it, I think I have what it takes to beat him. It would be a war, but I can do it.”
And it really does seem the Brazilian’s chance to test his mettle against the Russian, voted by Sports Illustrated as the best of the decade in MMA, may come. In a statement made at the Strikeforce press conference, this Saturday in California, CEO Scott Coker remarked on the possibility.
“It’s not confirmed… but you’ll most likely see Fedor fighting Fabricio,” said Coker in reference to the April 2010 card for the event. Other stars likely to feature on the card are Dan Henderson, making his debut in the event since exiting the UFC, Gina Carano, Shinya Aoki and, perhaps, Alistair Overeem, the current Strikeforce heavyweight champion who has not put in an appearance for the promotion in two years.
Cris Cyborg
Cris Cyborg to defend belt –Female champion of the California-based promotion Cris Cyborg will defend her title against Marloes Coenen. The title bout will figure as one of the main events on the January 30 card, to take place in Miami.