Fabricio Werdum wants you to know he fought in the same altitude as Cain Velasquez

Ahead of his rematch with Cain Velasquez at UFC 196, heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum has a question for the media.

“Why are the guys asking about the high altitude for him?” Werdum asked at a recent Q&A session. “Why just for him? The altitude was for me too.”

When the two men met the first time – a stunningly dominant third round submission win for Werdum (20-5-1 MMA, 8-2 UFC) – the normally tireless Velasquez (13-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) seemed to fatigue quickly. Many blamed the high Mexico City elevation for the former champ wilting under the striking attack of Werdum.

Altitude should be far less of a factor when the two rematch at UFC 196, which takes place Feb. 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The fight may well come down to strategy, and Werdum thinks that he knows the angle Velasquez will take.

“Remember when he fought versus (Junior) Dos Santos?” Werdum said. “He faked takedown and punched to the head. I think he changed a little bit like that. But I’ve been waiting. I’ve been waiting for that. I’m not scared of if he takes me down. If he takes me down? Good. The fight just starts for me on the ground.”

Werdum made it clear that he’s ready, and he may have a wrinkle of his own for the rematch. But he’s keeping things under wraps.

“Yes, I’ve changed a little bit,” Werdum said with a laugh. “But it’s a secret.”

For more on UFC 196, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.