Fabricio Werdum Defeats Travis Browne In Rematch, Fracas Ensues Post-Fight
Fabricio Werdum (21-6-1) went on a five-fight winning streak to get his shot at Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gold. He took full advantage of that opportunity by submitting Cain Velasquez to become the new heavyweight kingpin. While the moment was sweet for “Vai Cavalo,” it didn’t last long.
Werdum looked to rebound from his title loss to Stipe Miocic back in May. To do so, he needed to beat Travis Browne (18-5-1) at UFC 203. Werdum earned a decision victory over “Hapa” back in April 2014. Many wondered if their second bout would lead to the same result.
It did, but the fight itself and the incident post-fight were significantly more bizarre.
Werdum ran towards his opponent immediately and landed a side kick to the jaw. He went for a takedown, but couldn’t get it. A right hand landed for “Vai Cavalo.” Werdum threw a front wheel kick. Browne looked to be holding his hand, which caused confusion. Werdum threw a punch and referee Gary Copeland called time, which angered “Vai Cavalo.” UFC’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner pointed out that Copeland should not have allowed Browne time for the hand injury. The fight resumed and Werdum caught Browne with a right hand that dropped him with about 50 seconds left in the round. Browne defended a rear-naked choke attempt and survived the round.
Browne kept holding onto his hand heading into round two. Werdum dared his opponent to go to the ground with him, but no dice. A hard leg kick found the mark for Werdum. The action slowed down considerably, but “Vai Cavalo” remained in control. He landed an uppercut and a leg kick. Browne didn’t provide much offense outside of a step-in leg kick. The round ended with Werdum missing a wheel kick.
A right hand over the top connected for Werdum in the final frame. He followed it up with a kick to the body and another right hand. A knee to the body landed for Werdum and he landed a right hand. The final horn sounded and fans were none too pleased with what they saw.
Post fight, Edmond Tarverdyan of Browne’s corner got into an exchange with Werdum’s corner, causing a fracas inside the Octagon. Werdum even gave Tarverdyan a little front kick after he was mouthing off. Bruce Buffer quickly read the score totals to avoid further conflict and they all favored Werdum.
Final Result: Fabricio Werdum def. Travis Browne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
