Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight Fabricio Werdum will be dressed to compete while providing commentary for the upcoming UFC 166 main event, a 265-pound title fight that pits reigning champion Cain Velasquez opposite ex-division titleholder Junior dos Santos.
No, it's not a triple-threat match.
But "Vai Cavalo" knows that anything can -- and usually does -- happen leading up to a major pay-per-view (PPV) event, and if misfortune should strike one of the UFC 166 headliners, who will bang it out on Oct. 19, 2013 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Werdum (via Sherdog.com) says he'll be ready and waiting.
Literally.
"I have three functions in the UFC: I'm a fighter, but I'm also a UFC commentator for Latin America since I lived a long time in Spain and speak fluent Spanish. Due to this I am an ambassador for the UFC in Latin America, where I travel explaining how the sport works. Commentating helps me even more to know my enemies, because I cover their fights. As I result of having these occupations I will not compete at the ADCC. Actually, I have to prepare myself to fight on Oct. 19. Of course we do not want anything to happen to anyone, but it happens from time to time. Injuries occur, anything can happen. I have to be ready. I will be cageside to call the fight, with my fightwear underneath. I'm ready for anything -- just call me to take my blazer off and go in."
Werdum (17-5) is already considered to be next in line (thanks to this).
That means a substitute spot will only expedite his request for a division title shot, something he planned to do in the wake of the UFC 166 event. In fact, he's already made plans to ride the pine until early 2014, so long as it guarantees him a crack at the crown.
I'm sure Dos Santos would be, as well. "Cigano" already holds a knockout win over his fellow Brazilian from their heavyweight hoedown back in 2008, one "Vai Cavalo" is planning to avenge sooner rather than later. And if anything happens to the champ between now and Oct. 19, it could be even sooner than we think.
Great news for fans of mixed martial arts (MMA), not-so-great news for fans of Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), who may have been hoping for this rematch.