Werdum vs Russow in June

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/3/9/2857730/ufc-fabricio-werdum-vs-mike-russow-june-mma-news
Fabricio Werdum will make his return to the octagon in June, and it will be against a somewhat-surprising opponent at first glance. It's hard to argue with the logic of the booking though. MMA Fighting has the news:

A heavyweight fight between Fabricio Werdum and Mike Russow is close to being finalized, according to sources close to both camps. Both fighters have already verbally agreed to the bout, which is expected to take place on the UFC's return to Brazil later this year, which is slated for late June 2012.

No exact date or location has been finalized just yet.

Werdum (15-5-1) is coming off a dominant decision win in his UFC return over Roy Nelson at UFC 143, while Russow (15-1, 1 NC) ran his UFC record to 4-0 with a decision win over Jon-Olav Einemo at UFC on Fox 2 in January.

There are three UFC cards tentatively scheduled for June at the moment - The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1st, UFC 147 on June 16th (which currently doesn't have a home), and UFC on FX 4 on the 22nd. Logic would dictate that the bout would be on the PPV, especially if it takes place in Brazil. But we'll have to wait and see.

Like Ariel was pointing out on twitter. It's probably the best matchup available for these guys.

Markoia Huntua disagrees.

GDPofDRC wrote:

Markoia Huntua disagrees.

He is going to be the replacement for Reem, you haven't hurd?

Ariel Helwani ‏ @arielhelwani
Lots of you don't like Werdum-Russow, but look who's available and who's on a winning streak. Russow is really the best option. ...

Oh. Well that's cool then.

Weaksauce.

It should be Mir vs. Werdum, Cain vs. Bigfoot and Hunt vs. Nelson !

I'm fine with it. Russow needs a loss and it sets Werdum up for a #1 contender fight ideally against the winner of Cormier-Barnett

Ali wrote:

Weaksauce.

It should be Mir vs. Werdum, Cain vs. Bigfoot and Hunt vs. Nelson !

+1

Werdum better not pull guard...the hammerfist of doom will end him before he can even remember how to pull off a sub. Russow's hammerfist is like the golden gun of GnP.

freakzilla wrote:

Ali wrote:

Weaksauce.

It should be Mir vs. Werdum, Cain vs. Bigfoot and Hunt vs. Nelson !

+1

lol at negging me and Freak.

I like the fight. Im looking forward to seeing Werdum again.

Verdum is too technical for Russow, he is too much of a brawler, that streak is going to come down

Why Mir turned down Werdum fight in Brazil.
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/3/26/2904300/ufc-146-video-frank-mir-fabricio-werdum-cain-velasquez-ufc-147-mike-russow-interview

Quote :

"Werdum is a greatly improved fighter with phenomenal stand-up and I think his jiu-jitsu is some of the best in the world. The guy is awesome. The only reason why I at first said, 'hmmm, maybe not a good idea' when I found out he wanted to fight in June in Brazil. I was like, 'Ah, I don't know if that would be such a great idea, I don't know if I'm gonna be that well received there.' I'd have to go there for a whole week with my family, my wife and my children. I don't think I'm in (Chael's) boat yet, but at the same time if I go to a restaurant and someone is a Nogueira fan, what are they gonna do to my food? Brazilian fans, fans in general, can be kinda crazy and I've received quite a few crazy Emails. Google translate is a phenomenal thing but it kind of makes you cringe a little bit when you see what people wanna say."

OU wrote:

Why Mir turned down Werdum fight in Brazil.
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/3/26/2904300/ufc-146-video-frank-mir-fabricio-werdum-cain-velasquez-ufc-147-mike-russow-interview

Quote :

"Werdum is a greatly improved fighter with phenomenal stand-up and I think his jiu-jitsu is some of the best in the world. The guy is awesome. The only reason why I at first said, 'hmmm, maybe not a good idea' when I found out he wanted to fight in June in Brazil. I was like, 'Ah, I don't know if that would be such a great idea, I don't know if I'm gonna be that well received there.' I'd have to go there for a whole week with my family, my wife and my children. I don't think I'm in (Chael's) boat yet, but at the same time if I go to a restaurant and someone is a Nogueira fan, what are they gonna do to my food? Brazilian fans, fans in general, can be kinda crazy and I've received quite a few crazy Emails. Google translate is a phenomenal thing but it kind of makes you cringe a little bit when you see what people wanna say."

Pathetic excuse from Frank, surely he's taking the piss ?