UFC
Fabricio Werdum willing to wait for UFC Champ Cain Velasquez
Dec 12, 2013 - 10:50:25 AM Fabricio Werdum willing to wait for UFC Champ Cain Velasquez

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

With UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez sidelined until potentially late in 2014 following shoulder surgery, No. 1 contender Fabricio Werdum met with UFC officials in Las Vegas this week to discuss his next move.

It was reported Wednesday night that they wanted him to fight the winner of the upcoming Josh Barnett vs. Travis Browne fight from UFC 168. However, though he hasn't made an official decision as of yet, Werdum said this week he's willing to wait for the Champ.

"They told me it's my decision," Werdum said in an interview with MMAFighting.com. "I had a meeting with Dana White and my team, the UFC said it's up to me, if I want to wait or fight again. I'm still thinking about it, but I believe I'm going to wait for this opportunity to fight for the title. I'm the next in line. But it's not 100 percent yet."

"I believe [Cain Velasquez] will return soon, probably around July or August," he continued. "It's normal to recover quickly today, so that's what I hope. I'll even send my physical therapist to help him get better. I'll pay for his recovery (laughs).

"I'll make my final decision next week. It's an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something that I've been waiting for a long time. My biggest dream is to fight for the UFC title. I accomplished all my other dreams, becoming a world champion in jiu-jitsu and ADCC, and I still want the world title in MMA."

Penick's Analysis: I completely understand why Werdum is willing to wait right now. He's got the shot in front of him, and we've seen other fighters take another fight instead of waiting out their shot and then lose it. He doesn't want to risk that, and there's nothing wrong with that. But it means he's out of action for over a year while healthy, and that part just doesn't often make sense. Hopefully Velasquez can be back by July or August at the very latest, but shoulder injuries like his can be tricky to recover from.