The Global Fight League (GFL) has been hit by another setback as former UFC heavyweight titleholder Fabricio Werdum announced his withdrawal from the promotion`s inaugural events.
GFL is scheduled to launch its first shows at the Shrine in Los Angeles on May 24th and 25th. However, the organization has faced challenges with initial match-ups, including high-profile fighters.
Previously, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua stepped down from his bout with Yoel Romero. Romero is now slated to face Gegard Mousasi, a former Bellator champion.
Now, Brazilian MMA legend Fabricio Werdum has also declared he will not compete after his intended opponent, Frank Mir, required urgent surgery.
Werdum`s Lack of Drive After Mir Fight Cancellation
The GFL had initially promoted a highly anticipated fight between former heavyweight champions Fabricio Werdum and Frank Mir.
Werdum and Mir, both renowned submission experts in MMA history, were set to clash despite being past their prime, with a combined age of 92.
Frank Mir`s withdrawal due to a health issue has directly impacted Werdum`s plans, leading to his decision to also pull out.
Fabricio Werdum, aged 47, last fought in the UFC in 2020. Since then, he has competed once in PFL and in Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, where he lost to Junior dos Santos.
Speaking on the Mundo da Luta podcast, Werdum explained that Frank Mir`s withdrawal led to his decision to not participate in the GFL event.
Werdum stated that the Frank Mir fight was his primary motivation for returning to competition. With Mir out, he admitted that his drive to compete has vanished.
“Frank Mir was the fight that truly motivated my comeback. After his withdrawal was announced, I lost my motivation. Training at Andre Dida’s academy in Curitiba has been an incredible experience, training with master Rafael, Wanderlei, Dida, Brunno Hulk, and Blindado. However, I need that same level of motivation to compete, and without the Mir fight, it’s simply not there.”
Werdum`s Withdrawal Highlights Potential GFL Challenges
The GFL has already faced criticism before its first event, despite successfully signing notable fighters for meaningful fights.
Fabricio Werdum’s withdrawal may reveal a significant vulnerability for GFL: maintaining fighter engagement when key matchups fall apart or are concluded.
For fighters and fans alike, it is crucial for GFL to consistently arrange compelling fights to sustain interest in their events.
GFL 1 and 2 in Los Angeles feature promising fights, and while these initial events are vital, the long-term viability of the promotion remains to be seen.
