Fabricio Werdum signs with Strikeforce; Fight against Alistair Overeem questionable ... for now

by MMAmania.com on Apr 13, 2009 9:33 AM EDT

Fabricio Werdum -- widely regarded as a top 10 heavyweight mixed martial artist -- is now an official Strikeforce employee, according MMAFanHouse.com.

And while rumors have swirled that "Vai Cavalo" will challenge Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem at the promotion’s next offering, "Lawler vs. Shields" at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo., on June 6, company CEO Scott Coker says not so fast.

Here’s a snip:

"Yeah, but that's not a fight [Overeem vs. Werdum] necessarily we feel we'd have to do first … there are some other free agents out there, and guys fighting with other companies who aren't exclusive. So we'll explore those options before we make the announcement of who [Overeem is] fighting."

Werdum was recently dropped from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when the parties were unable to come to terms on a new contract after his surprising 81-second knockout loss to Octagon newcomer Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" on October 15.

The Brazilian left the promotion with an even record (2-2), scoring big wins over Brandon Vera and Gabriel Gonzaga and perhaps bigger losses to Andrei Arlovski and "Cigano." Werdum remains a very capable and dangerous fighter who could very well give Overeem all he can handle, but it may happen later rather than sooner.

Overeem recently lost a close decision to World GP 2008 Champion Remy Bonjasky in the K-1 event just last month. Prior to the setback, "Demolition Man" had won five straight consecutive bouts, including a first round destruction of former K-1 heavyweight champion Badr Hari at the Fields Dynamite!! super show on Dec. 31.

Now that he has made it clear the he intends to return to the United States in two months to defend his belt, it appears that the hunt for a noteworthy and deserving opponent is already under way.

Stay tuned.

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Comments

coker is the man. Hes going to be putting on some great fights with the showtime / cbs deal he got. Its great for MMA because he is respected throughout the sport. He has a good overseas relationship and will bring in Aoki.

Werdum looked out of shape in his last los to dos santos, but the ufc dropped him so quick. he was coming of stoppages of gonzaga and vera (even though was questionable, Werdum wouldve won the fight)

I wanna see Allistair fightin in the U.S asap.

by aj on Apr 13, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

I love how Strikeforce keeps signing all of UFC’s discarded talent. It allows us to watch the minor league talent in MMA and speculate on what they could accomplish if they are ever “called-up” to the big leagues.

by RedDog on Apr 13, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Signing Werdum is an excellent move on strikeforces part. He is one of my favorite Heavyweights and IMO, Instantly deserves a title shot against Alistar…why? Cause he has already submitted Alistar, thats why!

Kevin Randleman has also signed with strikeforec and will debut immediately either at the May or June events….I dont understand why Mania isnt giving this new signing any play….but whatever!

Strikeforce isnt messing around.

I would actually really like to see Alistar whoop Tim Sylvia’s ass. Tim isnt exclusive to anyone, and I would love to see this fight….I doubt Tim wants this fight….he is happier calling out Cans like Ken Shamrock, or wasting his Time bowing has beens inside of an mma cage!

by john on Apr 13, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Kevin Randleman has also signed with strikeforec and will debut immediately either at the May or June events….I dont understand why Mania isnt giving this new signing any play….but whatever!

We did … on March 12.

by MMAmania on Apr 13, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

He didnt sign til the event this past saturday…from what I understand!

Bout time you grace us with your presence mania….I have been taking shots at you all week trying to get a rise out of you! hahaha

by john on Apr 13, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Mania, since you let the cat out of the bag about how big of a BJ Penn fan you are when he beat Sherk….why dont you make the trip down to Philly for UFC 101?….There is still seats available in our luxury box! U r more then welcome!

by john on Apr 13, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Jesse: you can come too, but only if you leave the lame jokes at home! hahaha, Low blow….you know I love you “UNCLE JESSE”! hahahha

by john on Apr 13, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Isnt adam Wagner from Philly?

by john on Apr 13, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL, mania broke the news a month ago and John is all over him, now kissing ass! classic John, tuck the tail son!

by kevin on Apr 13, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

No one is gonna wanna sign Timmy after Mercer beats him up in cage boxing. As far LHWs in strikeforce, they need to line up more guys for Feijao to smash after he’s done with babz, ortiz, the monster and southworth.

by NameNotRequired on Apr 13, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Werdum is legit heavyweight, and it will be great to see him compete again. I like Strikeforce, they put on good fights and generally pretty good shows. There are plenty of potential match ups for these guys outside the UFC that I would like to see either in Strikeforce, Affliction, or DREAM. Overeem vs A. Emelianenko, Werdum vs Monson, Werdum vs Arlovski 2, Overeem or Werdum vs Barnett. With a few more wins, I’d like to see either of these guys fight Fedor.

by Belisarius on Apr 13, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions