Fabricio Werdum focused on boxing career: ‘I want to put another belt on the wall’

After much debate regarding his return to combat sports, Fabricio Werdum has announced his future plans at a press conference for Brazilian media.

While earlier this year Werdum claimed he was hoping to return to the Professional Fighters League for another MMA bout, the 44-year-old former UFC heavyweight king announced Wednesday that he intends to focus on his boxing career.

“For us fighters, it's very difficult to have this idea of doing what you love most in life and stopping 100%, that's why I don't like this word retired,” Werdum told Sherdog.com after the press conference. “When I focused on being a jiu-jitsu champion I accomplished (that). I dedicated my life to become a UFC champion, and I also accomplished that. Now, the focus is 100% on winning a title in boxing before hanging up the gloves.

“I've been a jiu-jitsu champion, grappling and MMA champion, but not boxing. I've never competed in boxing and I want to put another belt on the wall. Boxing is the only belt missing on my wall. I didn't stop fighting. I just changed the focus completely. I will focus 100% on boxing. I'm not going to fight MMA so I can focus on boxing.”

Werdum also revealed that he has already been approached by BKFC, but negotiations did not progress.

“I am open to proposals. It could be against some Youtuber, boxer or someone from MMA. I'm in no hurry.”