Fabricio Werdum Prepping for GFL Debut; 'Shogun' Still Hasn’t Signed Bout Agreement

One last matchup announcement! (for now)

Team São Paulo's @FabricioWerdum steps into the GFL cage with Team LA's @thefrankmir in a Heavyweight bout! pic.twitter.com/iuSouahE1o

— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) February 14, 2025

Two fights recently announced by the fledging Global Fight League immediately drew the attention of mixed martial fans.

Fabricio Werdum (Team Sao Paulo) is expected to face Frank Mir (Team Los Angeles), while it was also revealed that Mauricio Rua (Team Sao Paulo) would meet Yoel Romero (Team Miami). No dates and locations have been formally announced for any GFL events at this point in time. When Sherdog spoke to Werdum and Rua, they offered differing points of view on their respective bouts.

"I already started my physical preparation here in Florianopolis,” Werdum said. “It looks like this confrontation between Los Angeles and Sao Paulo will take place on May 11. My plan is to go to Curitiba in the first week of March and start my camp with Dida, Wanderlei and Rafael Cordeiro.”

Both Werdum and Mir are former UFC heavyweight champions. “Vai Cavalo” believes the matchup is ideal for his fighting style.

"I love to face southpaws. Mir is a top grappler and former champion, so he can never be underestimated — but I think his game favors me,” Werdum said. “My expectation is put on a great show to impress the fans and show that even at 47 years old I’m still able to give an impressive performance. But we have to consider that the GFL is a team game. The most important thing is to help Sao Paulo to score points and reach the second phase.”

Meanwhile, “Shogun” did not confirm his fight with Romero, despite the promotion posting the fight on social media.

"We are still talking with the promotion. It's not signed yet,” Rua said. “If we reach an agreement, I´ll let you know.”  

🚨 We’ve got our second official matchup! 🚨
Team Miami’s @YoelRomeroMMA takes on Team São Paulo’s @ShogunRua in a Light Heavyweight clash! pic.twitter.com/WQromnLJFl

— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) February 13, 2025