Werdum Rejects Palhares After Dos Santos Pulls Out

Fabricio Werdum has turned down a grappling match against Rousimar Palhares after Junior dos Santos withdrew from their scheduled bout at Kings Championship 2 in Florianopolis, Brazil.

Palhares volunteered as a replacement opponent following dos Santos' exit from the Rafael Cordeiro-promoted event. But Werdum, a former UFC heavyweight champion, rejected the offer because of Palhares' track record with controversial submission finishes.

Werdum Cites Palhares' Submission History

"Toquinho, I have no interest in fighting you," Werdum said in an interview, per Sherdog. "The first thing we learn when we step onto the mat is to let go of the submission and respect your opponent's tap. You never respected that first lesson and that's why you were banned from the sport. I respect you as a fighter, but I don't admire you."

Palhares built a reputation for holding submissions past the tap during his UFC run. The promotion released him in 2013 after he refused to release a heel hook on Mike Pierce despite multiple taps. The UFC had warned him about similar incidents before the Pierce bout.

Palhares, who last competed in 2024, disputed Werdum's characterization. "Werdum: I was never banned from the sport," he told Sherdog. "I was fired because my opponents wanted to take me out of the game." He added that BJJ champion Roberto Cyborg Abreu has since volunteered to face him instead.

The Kings Championship 2 card will proceed with a new grappling match to be announced. Werdum has not indicated a preferred replacement opponent.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Fabricio Werdum turns down Rousimar Palhares’ challenge