Fabricio Werdum reveals unique UFC 249 preparations: Online classes and altitude training

Fabricio Werdum has returned to the same preparation that won him the UFC title. But thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he’s needed to add something completely new to his training camp, too.

Werdum (23-8-1 MMA, 11-5 UFC) returns this Saturday when takes on Aleksei Oleinik at UFC 249, and has been training at the Big Bear mountains in California, soaking in the high altitude ahead of his octagon return.

When Werdum faced Cain Velasquez for the UFC heavyweight title in 2015 he spent weeks training at altitude. It paid dividends as he outpaced noted “cardio king” Velasquez in the oppressive conditions of Mexico City to capture the title at UFC 188.

Now, having been out of action for over two years due to a USADA suspension, Werdum hopes that a return to the same type of training will offset his time spent away from the cage.

“I’ve been training at altitude in Big Bear since mid-March,” Werdum told MMA Junkie. “On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I’ve been doing online MMA classes with Master Rafael Cordeiro. Sometimes he comes up here too. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I work on my jiu-jitsu with Rubens ‘Cobrinha’ Charles. My brother (Felipe) has been helping me a lot too. Ricardo Testai is my main training partner (and) Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral is also here.”

As well as his altitude training, Werdum explained that much of his coaching has come via online sessions conducted via videoconferencing. It’s a different way to prepare for a fight, but he hopes the combination of altitude training and online coaching will pay off against Oleinik on fight night.

“Everything is going great. This might be the first training camp in history where someone will fight after online classes. I’ve been climbing mountains to keep up my physical endurance. My family has joined me here too – my wife and two daughters. My training partners have been taking turns driving up to Big Bear, since the drive from Huntington Beach is around two hours. I’m happy to be training at altitude again. When I was the UFC heavyweight champion, around 2014 and 2015, I was training at altitude. This is highly important when comes to my stamina.”

Werdum faces a tricky test in Oleinik – who has a staggering 46 submission finishes from his 58 career wins – and says he’s acutely aware of the danger the Russian poses on the mat.

“I am aware that he’s extremely strong, and has an excellent Ezequiel choke,” Werdum said. “He does it differently. He finds ways to pull you in. I respect him, as I do all fighters. Oleinik has several years of experience. He has over 70 fights on his record, and over 40 wins by submission. I have to bring the right strategy to avoid getting caught.”