by: Matt De La Rosa

Don’t expect Fabricio Werdum to become a heavyweight gatekeeper or stepping stone in the UFC. MMAWeekly has reported Werdum’s contract negotiations with the UFC have ceased.

After a knockout loss to Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90, any leverage Werdum had going into negotiations ended the minute he hit the canvas in Chicago.

With rising stars such as Cain Velasquez and Shane Carwin, Werdum’s 2-2 record in the Octagon made him an expendable commodity in the UFC’s eyes.

Had Werdum defeated the UFC newcomer Dos Santos two weeks ago, many believed he would get the first crack at the winner of the four man tournament between Couture / Lesnar and Nogueira / Mir for the heavyweight title.

“Vai Cavalo’s” tenure in the UFC has been somewhat of a roller coaster with a loss to Andrei Arlovski in his debut, followed by back to back victories over Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera, and then the loss to Dos Santos.

However, in a thin heavyweight division and with two wins in a row, Werdum appeared to be gaining momentum heading into 2009 and a title shot was certainly in his future.

Werdum’s main concern now will be deciding which promotion he wants to sign with.  Expect Sengoku, DREAM and Affliction to come knocking on the Chute Boxe fighter’s door very soon.

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