Werdum: ‘The UFC Would Have Been Better For Fedor’

Mixed Martial Arts legend Fedor Emelianenko will return to fighting on December 31st, this after signing a $2.5 million deal to fight for former Pride FC boss Sakakibara’s new Japanese promotion.

The news came as a disappointment to most fight fans, as many of the sports viewers have longed to see “The Last Emperor” test his skills against the best fighters in the UFC.

UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum was among those disappointed to hear that the former PRIDE champion was not going to be fighting inside the octagon, but he did understand Fedor’s decision, as he told TASS Sports in a recent interview:

“I was very upset when Fedor finished his career,” Werdum stated. “But now he’s back and I’m happy for him. UFC would have been better for Fedor, but in Japan you can earn more. As for the new Japanese company, it is very strong. In the past I fought seven times in Japan and very pleased with the organization.”

Werdum shocked the world in 2010 by earning a first-round submission victory over Fedor Emelianenko in a fight that took place under the Strikeforce banner. The loss snapped a 28-fight unbeaten streak for the Russian heavyweight and left many fans screaming for a rematch.

“Vai Cavalo” told TASS Sports that he was willing to give “The Last Emperor” a shot at redemption had he opted to sign with the UFC:

“I wanted a rematch. So sorry that Emelianenko has not chosen the UFC. And if the fight did take place, I could have retire with peace of mind.”

Sadly a second fight between Fedor and Werdum will likely never take place. But if it had, how do you think the rematch would have played out? Sound off Penn Nation!

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