Fabricio Werdum has waited long enough for his shot at the UFC heavyweight belt. After his last performance, he proved that he truly is the number one contender.

“This was the best fight of my career. I trained so hard for this one,” said Werdum.

The Brazilian native and jiu-jitsu specialist earned a unanimous decision victory against #3 ranked heavyweight Travis Browne at UFC on Fox 11 this past weekend at the Amway Center.

“I worked hard on every part of my game. Boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, everything. I knew how good Travis was and I wanted to show everyone that I’m ready for the title shot,” said Werdum.

Werdum had been inactive since his second-round armbar of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC on Fuel TV 10 in June of 2013. A shot at Cain Velasquez’ heavyweight title was in line for ‘Vai Cavalo,’ but when the Brazilian learned that Velasquez would not be ready to compete until the second half of 2014 due to injury, he decided to take a bout with Browne.

During the pre fight press conference, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the winner of Werdum-Browne would indeed face Velasquez, most likely in the champ’s home country of Mexico.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Cain Velasquez,” said Werdum. “That championship means everything in this sport and I’m excited to have the opportunity to show that I can win the title.”

(Taken from April 23, 2014 issue)