Fabricio Werdum turns down Rousimar Palhares’ challenge

Fabricio Werdum has declined a grappling matchup with Rousimar Palhares at Kings Championship 2 in Florianopolis, Brazil, citing the submission specialist's controversial history. The offer came after Junior dos Santos withdrew from his scheduled bout with Werdum, prompting Palhares to step in as a replacement. Werdum refused, pointing to Palhares' notorious record of holding submissions past opponent taps as the reason for his decision.

Palhares, one of MMA's most feared submission artists, was released by the UFC in 2013 following an incident in which he held a heel hook against Mike Pierce despite repeated taps. The UFC had previously warned him over similar incidents. In a recent interview, Werdum explained his stance bluntly: "The first thing we learn when we step onto the mat is to let go of the submission and respect your opponent's tap. You never respected that first lesson and that's why you were banned from the sport."

Disputinig claims he was banned, Palhares countered that he was simply fired by the promotion. "I was never banned from the sport," Palhares told Sherdog. "I was fired because my opponents wanted to take me out of the game." With Werdum unavailable, Palhares has now turned his attention to a potential clash with renowned BJJ champion Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu, who has expressed willingness to accept the challenge. Palhares is now seeking a promoter—domestically or in the United States—to finalize the matchup.