Fabricio Werdum. Sipa USA

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.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes