In today’s Mixed Martial Arts, new fights are announced so often it’s difficult to keep track of all of them, let alone understand how they came about and what the implications are. So twice a week here at The Fight Horizon on Inside Fights, writer Daniel Sohn takes a quick, but in-depth look at newly announced match-ups to mark on your calendar.
The Matchup:
Fabricio Werdum (17-5 overall, 3-0 in the UFC – recent stint)
Strengths: BJJ for days, improving striking
Weaknesses: Striking still not elite
Travis Browne (16-1 overall, 7-1-1 in the UFC)
Strengths: All kinds of KO power, sheer size
Weaknesses: Susceptible to damage/KO
The Date: April 19, 2014 at UFC on FOX 11
Weight Class: Heavyweight
What led to it: With three consecutive knockout victories over noteworthy opponents such as Gabriel Gonzaga, Alistair Overeem and most recently Josh Barnett, it was only a matter of time until Travis Browne earned a title shot or a spot in a title eliminator. That’s exactly what he got here with a fight against Fabricio Werdum. Werdum also has three straight wins against top shelf competition and was essentially waiting for a shot at the champion after the Cain vs. JDS situation resolved itself. Cain is on the mend now, so it only makes sense for Werdum to hash it out with Browne to leave a clear #1 contender.
Why it matters: The winner gets to give Cain Velasquez his first new opponent in his last five fights. He’s fought both JDS and Bigfoot Silva alternately since 2011. It will also be Cain’s third title defense and if he’s going to build a legacy, the time is now. Either Browne or Werdum will be the one to try and put that to ruin.
Browne has only one loss on his record, a KO loss to Bigfoot Silva, and since entering the UFC, he’s beaten some very good fighters before and after that loss. He called himself a new breed of fighter in his post-fight interview after elbowing Josh Barnett to oblivion, and he just might be right. Cain Velasquez probably falls into that category as well though. These guys are active for heavyweights, they move well, their skill sets go beyond just pulverizing guys and swinging for the fences. Browne has a chance to make a huge name for himself. With the W-L record he has, if he beats Werdum and gets a chance against Velasqeuz, there’s no telling where his ceiling is. Werdum may not clearly be the best opponent he’s ever faced, but he is right up there at the top and Browne will need to be extra sharp to come out victoriouis.
While on the subject of new breeds of fighters, look at Werdum for further proof. The guy was a one-dimensional BJJ wizard, but now his striking is something to be wary of. He’s adapted to the requirements of what it takes to succeed and thrive in MMA today. There are plenty of guys who excel in Jiu Jitsu, and nothing else, and none of them can hang in most MMA organizations around the world nowadays. Give credit to Werdum for addressing his weaknesses and making improvements. He’s going to need every ounce of it when he meets Browne, who has shown he’s very dangerous in almost every aspect of a fight.
The next challenger to Cain Velasquez? Check. Two of the bigger heavyweights in the UFC, colliding with each other? Check. KO power and top notch BJJ? You got a trifecta here, folks, going down in April, so don’t miss it.
