Fabricio Werdum has now submitted Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez. As well as knocking out Mark Hunt. In the world of mixed martial arts Hunt’s chin was something of legend, many believed Cain would never lose again let alone get submitted, and many consider Fedor the best of all time. This begs the question is Fabricio Werdum the greatest of all time?  First let us take a look at the evolution of Fabricio Werdum’s striking, being that he was already an  extremely accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt it was his striking that needed to evolve in order to compete with the upper echelon of the heavyweight division. It is in fact safe to say that his striking has evolved and not only in a technical sense but in a creative one as well; once again to reference his KO victory over Mark Hunt that was accomplished via flying knee. During his fight with Velasquez he was also able to land many significant strikes and fluid combinations which are evident  in the post-fight complexion of the former champion.

While on paper Cain Velasquez may have appeared to be the superior wrestler it was the superb clinch work of Fabricio Werdum that carried the day. Werdum was able to land several short shots in the clinch as well as devastating knees. Other than striking in the clinch Werdum was able to implement perhaps the most  important element in regards to the clinch which is positional control. He was able to dictate which direction he wanted Cain to move rather than Cain moving him. After all, this is one of the major scoring criteria for MMA fights “Octagon Control” which was certainly displayed by Werdum that night. Does this make him the greatest of all time? That may still be up for debate, while his career has consisted of several victories over some of the sports all time greats it is also said that a true champion is determined in the defense of their title. Perhaps for those that doubt his status as a GOAT a few title defenses are in order. However, no one can deny that he is in fact a candidate at the very least, a candidate to join the ranks of those whom can call themselves the greatest of all time!