HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Longtime MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro would like to see one of his pupils get the first crack at Francis Ngannou under the PFL banner.
Cordeiro, the founder of Kings MMA, lead Fabricio Werdum to the UFC heavyweight title, and believes “Vai Cavalo” would be the right man to take on PFL newcomer Ngannou in his first bout with the promotion. Werdum joined the PFL in 2021 and has made one appearance thus far.
“Why not?” Cordeiro told MMA Junkie Radio. “Fabricio, he was a former UFC champ. His background, everybody knows his history, so why not? PFL needs fights like that.”
Werdum’s first appearance in the PFL came in May 2021 against Renan Ferreira. The fight was a controversial one, because Werdum appeared to tap Ferreira with a triangle choke in the first round, but the signal was not seen by the referee. When Werdum released pressure from the choke, Ferreira went back to striking, and knocked out Werdum moments later. The fight was later overturned to a no contest after the New Jersey State Control Board reviewed the footage.
Werdum has yet to compete again and has contemplated retirement, but has recently posted videos on social media of himself working out, looking fight ready. He also directly challenged Ngannou for a fight while stating, “You have a lot of holes in your game.”
Ngannou, known for his devastating knockout power, is nine years younger than Werdum. The promotion has yet to announce who will be his first opponent after signing the former UFC champion to a lucrative deal that allows freedom to participate in pro boxing bouts.
Despite the age difference, Cordeiro believes Werdum, who brings a different skillset to the table than Ngannou, could make for a solid fight in the PFL.
“I believe Fabricio matches very well,” Cordeiro said. “If they had to choose somebody, I believe Fabricio is the name to put there and to prove he’s still in the game. I believe the best time of his career is right now. … At 45 years old, the shape that he has, the technique that he has, for sure Fabricio can be a great fight for Francis. As soon as they’re locked in the octagon, it’s 50-50.”