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LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 01: Fabricio Werdum answers questions from the media during the UFC 143 open workouts at Mandalay Bay Events Center on February 1, 2012 in Las Vegas, United States. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fabricio Werdum

Fabricio Werdum

There were times in his MMA career when Fabricio Werdum seemed destined to be remembered as a very good – but probably not great – heavyweight fighter. Then came UFC 188 in Mexico City.

In what was clearly his finest moment in the Octagon, Werdum scored a third-round submission victory over UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, winning the belt and making a case that he belongs among the division’s all-time best fighters.

Werdum, a three-time Brazilian jiu jitsu world champion, now can claim victories over two of the sport’s greatest heavyweights: Velasquez and the great Russian champion Fedor Emelianenko.

In both of those bouts, Werdum was an underdog. In both, he won by submission.

His climb to the top of the MMA world has been relentless, if not always successful. He suffered disheartening losses to Andrei Arlovski in 2007, Junior Dos Santos in 2008 and Alistair Overeem in 2011 but has also scored wins over such notable fighters as Gabriel Gonzaga, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, Roy Nelson and Travis Browne.

When and why did you start training for fighting? When? I started when I was 20. Why? All I can say is it involved a woman.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 3x World Jiu Jitsu Champion (black belt) Jiu Jitsu European Champion, Jiu Jitsu Pan-American Champion (three times)

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? UFC heavyweight champion, Jiu Jitsu World Champion (black belt, three times), 2x (2007, 2009) ADCC World Champion, TUF Brazil 2 and TUF LATAM coach

Ranks in martial arts styles? Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Brown Belt in Judo. Black Belt Muay Thai

Do you have any heroes? My family

What is your favorite technique? kimura

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a recognition of my hard work and training. I've been waiting for this moment to truly test my skills among the best of the UFC again. I'm ready for challenge.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? BJJ teacher

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