In a highly anticipated matchup between two former UFC heavyweight champions, Junior Dos Santos showcased the devastating impact of a powerful heavyweight puncher in a bare-knuckle fight. Facing Fabricio Werdum in the main event of Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, Dos Santos unleashed a barrage of strikes that led to severe cuts near both of Werdum’s eyes. The fight ended with Dos Santos winning by a split decision, firmly establishing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the bare-knuckle fighting scene.
Throughout the fight, Dos Santos repeatedly targeted Werdum’s eyes, causing significant damage. By the third round, Werdum’s left eyelid was bleeding profusely, a testament to the relentless power behind Dos Santos’s punches. While Dos Santos may not have landed exceptionally hard hits, the absence of gloves amplified the impact and resulted in visible facial injuries for Werdum. This display of raw power and its subsequent consequences exemplified the unique dangers of bare-knuckle fighting.
This victory marked Dos Santos’s first win in any combat sport since 2019, putting an end to his five-fight losing streak. Despite facing adversity in recent years, Dos Santos proved that he still possesses the skills and tenacity to compete at the highest level. Having previously defeated Werdum in their 2008 UFC bout, Dos Santos’s triumph in the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA sets the stage for an upcoming showdown with another UFC veteran, Roy Nelson, as they vie for the heavyweight title.
Dos Santos expressed gratitude for the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, affirming that the promotion provided the necessary boost his career needed. This event served as a turning point for the Brazilian-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team in Florida. As a former UFC heavyweight champion, Dos Santos held the title in 2011 and 2012 and still holds the division’s longest winning streak record with nine consecutive victories. The win over Werdum signifies a potential resurgence for Dos Santos in the bare-knuckle fighting arena.
Werdum’s Struggles and Legacy
Fabricio Werdum, a highly regarded submission artist in the heavyweight MMA realm, faced his own challenges leading up to the bare-knuckle matchup. With a no-contest against Renan Ferreira in May 2021 and his last UFC fight against Alexander Gustafsson three years ago, Werdum’s absence from the Octagon left fans curious about his future. Although Werdum held the UFC heavyweight title from 2014 to 2016, his defeat at the hands of Dos Santos raises questions about his ability to compete at the highest level in the bare-knuckle fighting scene.
Junior Dos Santos’s performance in his bout against Fabricio Werdum showcased the immense power and impact of a heavyweight puncher in bare-knuckle fighting. The severe cuts inflicted by Dos Santos demonstrated the unique dangers of fighting without gloves and highlighted the physical toll this sport can take on its competitors. Dos Santos’s victory in the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA represents a significant turning point in his career and sets the stage for future matchups against notable opponents. Meanwhile, Werdum’s struggles raise uncertainties about his future prospects in the bare-knuckle arena. Ultimately, this clash between two former UFC heavyweight champions captivated fans and underscored the raw intensity and excitement of bare-knuckle fighting.
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