Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum Files Appeal Following Controversial Loss in PFL Debut

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Fabricio Werdum, suffered a controversial loss to Renana Ferreira at PFL 3 in what was his promotional debut.

Werdum secured a takedown as soon as the fight started and proceeded to secure a triangle choke forcing a tap from Ferreira. However, the referee didn’t notice the tap.

‘Vai Cavalo’ let go of the hold and ended up in the bottom position. Ferreira landed a barrage of punches as ground and pound that knocked Werdum out and earned his opponent a controversial win. Werdum was not happy and has since appealed against the decision according to his manager.

Fabricio Werdum has filed an appeal of tonight’s #pflmma result with the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz. PFL will send the NJSACB the footage where it appeared Renan Ferreira tapped for review.

— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) May 7, 2021

“Fabricio Werdum has filed an appeal of tonight’s #pflmma result with the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz.

“PFL will send the NJSACB the footage where it appeared Renan Ferreira tapped for review,” reported ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.

Although the athletic commission in New Jersey allows for instant replay for review, PFL does not allow the use of it. So, the decision is intact as of now.

However, one might argue Werdum clearly felt the tap and let go of the hold. He consequently received some vicious shots to the head that were eventually his undoing.

Before his finish against Fabricio Werdum, Renan Ferreira appeared to tap Werdum twice on the shoulder. #2021PFL3 pic.twitter.com/1M5ktz4xX4

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 7, 2021

The decision of the athletic commission remains to be seen. ‘Problema’ returned to action for the first time in almost 2 years, having last fought under the LFA banner in 2019.

The 31-year-old was also making his promotional debut much like his compatriot, Werdum. Ferreira has just added a win against a legend on his record.

What’s next for Fabricio Werdum after his controversial loss at PFL3?

Werdum parted ways with the UFC after his submission win over Alexander Gustafsson. The former Strikeforce and UFC Heavyweight Champion is keen to secure another belt of a global organization to his legendary resume. However, the controversial loss might be a setback for him.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian will look to get the result overturned as he has appealed for the result to be reviewed. However, his return to action remains to be seen.

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