Two Former UFC Heavyweight Champions, Junior Dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum will make their Bareknuckle MMA debut at Gamebred Bareknuckle 5. These former champions will face each other on Friday, September 8th at the Vystar Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
Former UFC Heavyweight champions rematch
In the annals of mixed martial arts (MMA) history, certain matchups stand out as defining moments, showcasing the skill, heart, and determination of the fighters involved. One such showdown occurred when Brazilian heavyweights Junior Dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum squared off in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The stage was set on June 13, 2010, at UFC 90, when Dos Santos and Werdum clashed inside the octagon. Both fighters had already made a name for themselves in the heavyweight division, with Dos Santos known for his powerful striking and Werdum for his grappling prowess.
Dos Santos entered the fight with an undefeated record in the UFC and an impressive reputation for his knockout abilities. His boxing skills were considered some of the best in the division, and his explosive movements and accurate punches made him a formidable opponent for anyone daring to stand and trade with him.
On the other side was Fabricio Werdum, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with an extensive background in grappling. Werdum’s ground game was renowned, and he had submitted some of the most accomplished fighters in the heavyweight division. His strategy was clear: take the fight to the mat and capitalize on his submission expertise.
Ultimately, the fight went the distance, with Dos Santos utilizing his striking and takedown defense to thwart Werdum’s grappling advances. The judges awarded Junior Dos Santos the unanimous decision victory, solidifying his position as a rising star in the heavyweight division.
Looking for redemption in Bareknuckle MMA bout
While Fabricio Werdum may not have secured the victory that night, his performance highlighted his resilience and grappling mastery. Both fighters showcased the diversity of skills within the heavyweight division. Now 13 years later Werdum has a chance to redeem himself by taking on JDS in a bareknuckle MMA bout for Jorge Masvidal’s promotion Gamebred Bareknuckle.
