Fabricio Werdum Withdraws from Global Fight League Format

Fabricio Werdum won’t be taking part in the Global Fight League after all.

Initially scheduled to face Frank Mir in a heavyweight bout under the GFL banner, Werdum revealed Tuesday on the Mundo da Luta podcast that he will no longer be fighting for the fledgling organization.

“Frank Mir was a fight that motivated me to return. After he announced his withdrawal, I also lost my motivation,” Werdum said upon returning to Florianópolis and his normal routine.

“The atmosphere in Andre Dida’s academy in Curitiba is unbelivable. It was such a great experience to return do training routine with master Rafael, Wanderlei, Dida, Brunno Hulk and Blindado, but I have to feel the same motivation to return and that was not the case when Mir (was not an option).”

Werdum last appeared at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 5, where he lost a split decision to former UFC opponent Junior dos Santos. The GFL on Monday officially announced the full lineups for its first two cards on May 24 and 25.