It’s has been a troubling month for Fabricio Werdum. Rumors of his departure from the UFC began soon after his loss to Junior Dos Santos at UFC 90. While he first denied the speculation, he now can confirm his exit from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“When I first heard the rumors, I didn’t know anything. I had four more fights left with them on my contract, which ran to 2010. But they demanded to renegotiate my exiting contract by cutting my pay in half,” revealed the heavyweight. Adding also that his departure had nothing to do with the video game licensing dispute. “No that wasn’t an issue but it is not something that benefits the fighters.”

“It’s a pity. I would have liked to continue with the UFC but now we forge ahead,” said Fabricio who still has plans to move to the US.

“I still plan to go to the United States with my family. I’m open to negotiations with Affliction, Sengoku and Dream …”, said Werdum. “I’m a free agent now.”

“One of the advantages of leaving the UFC is the freedom of contract, which allows fighters to work with more than one event without any problems.”

“That’s very beneficial. There are several possibilities now including fighting in multiple organizations. Affliction, Sengoku and Dream are big events, but I think the possibility of fighting for Affliction in particular will give me the best chance to fight the best in the world, Fedor, in addition to (Andrei) Arlovski, Josh Barnett and several other big names. That would be a great opportunity for me,” concluded Werdum.

[Translation by Robert at Free Fight Videos via Tatame.com.br]

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