It seems UFC fighters aren't immune to being injured even when competing for other companies.
With the news that Frank Mir is out of his bout against Daniel Cormier with an injury, Strikeforce needed a big name to step in to replace him. After all, Mir is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and just fought for the title this past May.
Enter Fabricio Werdum?
In a conversation with MMA Interviews, Spencer Lazara broke the news to Werdum and asked if he'd be interested in stepping up to the plate for Zuffa, taking a fight against Cormier on about six weeks' notice. Here's what he had to say:
"I'll talk to my coach Rafael Cordeiro first. I don't know. But maybe if [the UFC] tries to call me and Rafael says it's okay, I'll fight for sure."
But that's not all. After taking some time to digest the news, "Vai Cavalo" took to Facebook to put it all out in the air for his many fans around the world.
"Everyone knows how hard I worked to get back to the UFC and for sure I'll be ready for any fight that accredits me to fight for the belt, which is my main goal. I will always be available to the event to meet any shortage because the UFC ever designed and I know they want me to dispute the belt following, for having big fights for Strikeforce and good fights in the UFC. I proved I'm fit to play in the band." (translated by Google)
Werdum taking the fight against Cormier certainly makes sense on paper. After all, he experienced the best success of hsi career in Strikeforce, defeating Antonio Silva, Mike Kyle and Fedor Emelianenko during a run which brought him into consideration as one of the world's best heavyweights.
Also, with Cormier being considered a top contender for the UFC Heavyweight Title, a victory over the American Kickboxing Academy fighter would likely allow Werdum to take his place in line. He's already stated he feels he's one big win away from a shot at the belt anyways.
This would certainly be that big fight.
So what do you think, Maniacs?
Is Werdum the perfect replacement for Frank Mir? If not, who else is in consideration and would create the "big fight atmosphere" that Showtime executives are hoping to create?
Sound off!