Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum has left the promotion to sign for the PFL organization.
Werdum had opted to become a free agent after the final fight on his UFC deal in July, which had seen him earn a first round armbar submission win over Alexander Gustafsson.
Now he’s been lured over to the PFL promotion, where he’ll compete in there 2021 heavyweight championship, which boasts a $1 million prize for the winner.
“I am excited to announce Fabricio Werdum, the Tom Brady of MMA, has signed with the Professional Fighters League,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said in a statement. “Fabricio is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and knows when he steps into the PFL cage this coming season, it is more than a fight. The PFL sport season format provides an opportunity to control his destiny, like all PFL fighters, with a transparent shot to earn another major global title and the PFL million dollar champions belt.”
In total, the 43-year-old Werdum compiled a 10-4 record during his time in the UFC, including winning the heavyweight title with a third round submission victory against Cain Velasquez in 2015.
However, Werdum’s reputation was marred in 2018 when he was suspended for two years after testing positive for steroids.
Werdum is still a big name in heavyweight MMA though and PFL are clearly delighted to have the veteran competing for them.
“Adding a fighter at the world champion caliber of Fabricio Werdum is next level for the Professional Fighters League,” PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo stated. “I know the rest of the league’s heavyweight fighters are as excited as I am with Fabricio joining the PFL for the 2021 season starting in April.”
