Fabricio Werdum: ‘I Was a Little Bit Reckless,’ Calls for Rematch with Stipe Miocic

The UFC heavyweight title has been historically something no one holds onto for very long. No previous champion has consecutively defended the belt more than twice in the promotion’s history.

Fabricio Werdum‘s reign as heavyweight champion stayed true to history and was short-lived. He was defeated by Stipe Moicic in his first title defense at UFC 198 on May 14. Despite the first-round loss, Werdum believes he’s a more complete fighter than Miocic and admits that he got “reckless’ in the fight.

“I don’t think he is better than I am overall. I’m a complete fighter,” said Werdum during the UFC 198 post-fight press conference. “I was reckless. I was a little bit reckless.”

The Brazilian fell victim to a right hand to the jaw as he aggressively pressured Miocic. “The Silencer” silenced the sold-out crowd inside Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, when he left Werdum face-first on the canvas and captured the title. It happened quick, and it was a decisive win. Nonetheless, Werdum wants a rematch.

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“I think the most fair thing would be, I had six consecutive wins. I was the champion. I think the fair thing would be to get a rematch,” said the former champ.

While Werdum wants a rematch against Miocic, he also knows that he has no bargaining chips to secure the fight.

“It’s not my decision. I’m not the one that decides. I don’t have options,” he said. “I think what is most fair is — I’ve been fighting for a long time. I had six consecutive wins.”

The 38-year-old wants to return to action as soon as the UFC can book him a fight. He’s willing to rematch Miocic as soon as UFC 200 in July.

“I want to come back as soon as possible,” he said. “I’m going to comeback better, and I’m sure that I’m going to regain this belt.”

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