Fabrício Werdum and Junior “Cigano” of Santos will return to the Octagon for their third direct confrontation. The fight is scheduled for August 8th in Florianópolis (SC), by Kings Championship. The organization has not yet released the specific conditions of the fight, but the event will bring together the two MMA giants to resolve the rivalry that began 18 years ago.
The trilogy completes a history largely dominated by Cigano. The two faced each other for the first time in 2008, at UFC 90, when the Santa Catarina native won by technical knockout in the first round. The rematch only took place in 2023, in bare-knuckle MMA, with a new victory for Junior by split decision. Agora, at 48 years old, Werdum seeks to reverse the unfavorable score in the final sequence of the series.
Trajetórias and current moments
Werdum has not stepped into the Octagon since September 2023. Seu’s record includes a stint as UFC champion in the heavyweight category, a title he won in 2011 against Cain Velasquez with a knockout in the first round. Ele made 1 successful defense before losing the belt.
Cigano, at 42 years old, remains active in competitions. Sofreu lost 2 weeks ago in the Rousey x Carano event, when he was knocked out by the Cuban Robelis Despaigne, Olympic bronze medalist in tae kwon do, in the first round. Apesar from the recent setback, the Santa Catarina native remains active in search of his third UFC title.
Currículos and titles disputed
Both fighters won the UFC heavyweight belt at different times in their careers. Cigano was two-time champion of the organization, winning the interim belt in 2014 and the linear title the following year. Sua’s specialty in jiu-jitsu was present in his stints in the UFC and other promotions.
Direct historical data between them:
- Primeira fight: 2008, UFC 90 — Cigano won by 1st round knockout
- Segunda fight: 2023, bare-knuckle MMA — Cigano wins via split decision
- Terceira fight: August 8, 2026, Kings Championship at Florianópolis
Contexto from the trilogy
The rivalry between Werdum and Cigano is a fixture in the history of heavyweight MMA. Ambos had periods of prominence in the UFC and represented Brasil’s strength in the category. The third act between them will take place in Florianópolis, Cigano’s homeland, which adds local context to the event.
King Championship chose Florianópolis as the venue for the confrontation, consolidating the city as an important point on the Brazilian MMA calendar. The date of August 8th brings together two generations of champions to resolve the final chapter of a rivalry that transcends the dimensions of a simple sporting duel.
