Fabricio Werdum has been criticized for the timeliness of his pullout against replacement challenger Stipe Miocic, something that is seen as mysteriously coincidental.
Werdum surprisingly announced that he too was pulling out of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 196 on account of an injury, something that didn't sit well with Miocic's manager, Greg Kalikas.
Kalikas did not hide his dismay, although he remained reserved as to the real reason why Werdum pulled out. He hints that Werdum may have pulled out purposely because he was avoiding Miocic for apparent reason/s.
Werdum was originally scheduled to have a rematch with Cain Velasquez. Both faced each other at UFC 188, with Werdum coming out on top.
Velasquez was the first to pull out due to a back injury which allowed Miocic to step in his place. But not long after, the Brazilian pulled out claiming to have a back injury himself.
Werdum addressed the criticism made on him and stands pat on his decision that it was the right call to withdraw and not fight Miocic or Velasquez had he not withdrawn. But the timing seems to be a bit off.
"I imagine (when) Anderson Silva (lost), when Jon Jones had issues with the justice and drugs, when Ronda (Rousey) lost and everyone went all over her. I didn't even fight, and people were all over me, criticizing me," said Werdum via MMAfighting.com.
Being a champion and the timing of the announcement of his withdrawal is in some way open for criticism. If he was indeed injured, critics would have likely understood better rather than hearing it when Velasquez announced his withdrawal first.
For Miocic, Werdum's pullout is unfortunate but he and his manager cannot be blamed if they think that Werdum is purposely avoiding them. As it stands now, Miocic awaits whom he will fight again, although there are rumors that the UFC may make it an interim title fight.
