Rafael Cordeiro, Dana White and Werdum / Photo: personal archive
Last Saturday, some of Strikeforce’s biggest names took to the cage for the first major installment of the event since UFC parent company Zuffa took over the show. One of the promotion’s top fighters, Fabrício Werdum was caught hanging out with the UFC top brass, as can be seen in the photo.
“It was like the same old Strikeforce, but it looks like it’s about to start changing. The event was put together by the normal crew, but all the Zuffa gang were there. They were watching what was going on, I think to see how the other team goes about its business. The event was real cool, the only difference being that the UFC guys were there, and I think little by little they’ll take control of the organization,” says Werdum.
With a bout against Alistair Overeem scheduled for June 18 in the heavyweight GP, the fighter comments on his outlook and the chat he had with Dana White and the Fertitta brothers.
“They said it was nice to see me again, that they’re with me in this fight against Overeem, and they congratulated me on my success. I had thought the heavyweight GP’s days were numbered after the event had been sold, but I’ve changed my opinion a bit. I think they’re going to let the GP go through, but I don’t know what will happen. The public wants the GP, so it has to happen,” he remarks.
“I was big at Strikeforce, with all kinds of perks and things – real cushy. That’s how it was at the event in San Diego, but that may change a bit to fit UFC policy,” adds the black belt, who carries on determined in his preparations for Overeem.
“Training’s going 100%. I’m there with Rafael Cordeiro and Mark Munoz the whole time. I’m doing everything just right, just got out of the weight room now. Wanderlei Silva is coming to train with us again. The energy is back where it was when I faced Fedor, and that’s great,” he says in closing.