Fabricio Werdum walks back retirement talk, wants June return with PFL

Fabricio Werdum is not done just yet.

The former UFC heavyweight champion and highly decorated jiu-jitsu competitor plans to continue fighting in MMA and is hoping to get booked sometime this summer. Werdum (24-9-1), who’s under contract with PFL, recently flirted with the idea of retiring from MMA, but he’s now had a change of mind.

Werdum has the fire to once again step in the cage and further his distinguished legacy in the sport.

“My businesses have been doing well – my clothing brand, my meat business, and all that – but there’s no way around it, my business is fighting,” Werdum told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I did need that family time, but I’ve decided to continue fighting and I have a lot more to show to everyone.

“I don’t have any injuries – well, I’ve had a few surgeries but nothing bad. My head is fine and I’ve always said the most important thing is having both your body and mind right. I’m aligning both things. I’ve been lifting weights, doing boxing. … I want to fight again, hopefully around June. I’ll be ready.”

Werdum has only fought once since finishing his contract with the UFC back in late 2020. That lone performance marked his PFL debut in which he suffered a TKO loss, but the bout was later overturned into a no contest the by New Jersey State Athletic Control Board after his opponent Renan Ferreira appeared to tap out prior to the finish.

The 2022 PFL season is already underway with its heavyweight roster completed. Werdum is open to entering the heavyweight season if the opportunity arises. But regardless the Brazilian just wants to fight again.

“Yeah, it can be like a super fight or a fight outside of the season, or a season fight because it happens – people get injured or can’t fight so I’ll step in there,” Werdum said. “I have no problem doing that. I think the most important thing is that I want to fight, hopefully June 24 or July. I want to fight.”