Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 2

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Fabricio Werdum
“Vai Cavalo” Millennium Brawl (2002); World Absolute Fight Federation (2003); Jungle Fight (2003-04); Pride Fighting Championships (2005-06); 2 Hot 2 Handle (2006); Ultimate Fighting Championship (2007-08, 2012-Current); Strikeforce (2009-11)
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CASE FOR: Werdum ended Fedor Emelianenko’s long reign over the heavyweight division via submission, cementing his place in history much like Chris Weidman did with his upset of Anderson Silva. He has added a host of other impressive wins over the years, including beatdowns of Travis Browne and Roy Nelson, as well as submissions over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Alistair Overeem. His resume is deceptively impressive. CASE AGAINST: Werdum has never worked his way into a title fight or tournament final, let alone won one. He has also never been an attraction that has helped to shape or drive the sport. VERDICT: Should he go in? A win over Cain Velasquez would be the sort of career capper that would put him over the top. Otherwise, the answer is no. At 36, that is a legacy fight.

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