Junior Dos Santos showcased the immense power of a heavyweight puncher in a thrilling bare-knuckle fight. Going head-to-head against fellow former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, Dos Santos unleashed a barrage of strikes that resulted in severe cuts near both of Werdum’s eyes. As a result, Dos Santos emerged victorious with a split-decision win (28-29, 30-27, 30-27) in the headline event of Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA in Jacksonville, Florida.
By the third round, Werdum’s left eyelid was pouring with blood due to the relentless assault from Dos Santos. Although Dos Santos didn’t land any particularly devastating blows, the absence of gloves proved to be a game-changer. Even a moderately powerful strike from Dos Santos was sufficient to cause substantial facial damage. In the first round, Dos Santos managed to briefly rock Werdum, setting the tone for the remainder of the fight.
The victory marked the first win for Dos Santos in any combat sport since 2019, symbolizing a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on his triumph, Dos Santos expressed gratitude for his participation in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, emphasizing the impact it had on his journey. The win over Werdum also paved the way for a future showdown between Dos Santos and Roy Nelson, another esteemed UFC veteran, in a battle for the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight title.
Dos Santos’ recent losing streak, which saw him drop five consecutive fights, had placed doubts on his capabilities as a contender. Following his release from the UFC, Dos Santos suffered a TKO defeat at the hands of Yorgan De Castro in May 2022 due to a shoulder injury. However, the Brazilian-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team in Florida, demonstrated unwavering determination and proved that he still possesses the potential to dominate in the cage.
At the peak of his career, Dos Santos held the prestigious UFC heavyweight title in 2011 and 2012 and boasted the longest winning streak in division history, with nine consecutive victories. Despite encountering setbacks in recent years, Dos Santos’ triumph over Werdum serves as a powerful reminder of his resilience and formidable talents.
Werdum’s Return and Legacy
For Werdum, the fight against Dos Santos marked his first appearance since a no-contest bout against Renan Ferreira in May 2021 as part of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Living and training in California, the Brazilian-born fighter had clinched a memorable win over Alexander Gustafsson in his final UFC fight three years ago. Werdum’s reign as the UFC heavyweight champion from 2014 to 2016 cemented his status as one of the most exceptional submission artists in the history of heavyweight MMA.
Dos Santos’ impressive performance in the bare-knuckle fight was a testament to the devastating power he possesses as a heavyweight puncher. His victory over Werdum not only revitalized his own career but also provided a glimpse into the resilience and strength of the fighters within the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion. With Dos Santos now set to face Roy Nelson for the heavyweight title, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more displays of extraordinary skill and power from these two seasoned veterans of the fighting world.
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