Werdum, meanwhile, preserves his status as the No. 1-ranked contender and will either get an opportunity to win back his belt or rematch Cain Velasquez next.
Advertisement
Fabricio Werdum easily outpointed a lackluster Travis Browne tonight in the co-main event of UFC 203, but it’s a controversial moment involving the former champion after the fight that will get the most attention. But what was already a weird fight turned even stranger when Browne dislocated his finger, while Werdum hit him as he tried to call a timeout. Browne this time to center, no flying kick from Werdum.
Werdum, who would win the fight by unanimous decision, engaged in a heated war of words with Browne’s coach Edmond Tarverdyan (who also trains Ronda Rousey) before Bruce Buffer announced the result. Conversely, Browne was on target with only four of his 19 strike attempts. Browne landed a right hand, but Werdum showed crisp striking. Referee Gary Copeland allowed Browne to pause, as he pointed towards his hand.
The loss was taken hard by Browne, who made very clear to KHON2 sports director Rob DeMello Wednesday afternoon via telephone from Cleveland, that his pride for representing the islands is at the forefront of his motivations, one that he is very emotional about.
Werdum landed a straight right hand, which dropped Browne.
Werdum backs Browne up against the cage with a flurry of strikes. Leg kick from Werdum, those are beginning to toll. It was the finishing touch on a weird fight, that saw Browne essentially call his own time out in the opening round after suffering an apparent hand injury.
The pace slowed in the next frame, as Browne looked slightly gun-shy and Werdum appeared to be conserving energy.
Left and a right lands for Werdum. Kicks from Werdum. Now a jab from him. He tries for an overhand right that’s blocked. He’s coming in on the body of Browne, too, with his fists. Browne with a left hook that clips Werdum’s chin, but Werdum now content to ride this out. Werdum visibly upset with the stoppage, as the doctor comes in.now leaves. Crowd disgruntled. A big loaded right hand misses from Browne. Werdum kept trying for a takedown and then lay on the ground.
Advertisement
As we’re waiting for the decision Werdum interacts with the fans, and since they are booing he motions a “boo-hoo” sign at them, which doesn’t go down well. 30-27), but it remains to be seen whether he’ll get into trouble for lashing out at Tarverdyan.
