Fabricio Werdum has worked his way back from a loss to Junior dos Santos several years ago before “Cigano” became the UFC heavyweight champion. Now, following his recent win over Mike Russow at UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin II, Werdum is feeling very confident inside the Octagon.

“I was training a lot for this fight for three months with Kings MMA,” said Werdum, during the post-fight show on FUEL TV. “I am happy because there is a big difference fighting in Brazil. I am in the UFC nine years, but I didn’t fight here for many years. Just the guy saying my nickname, I was very happy. This is motivation for sure.”

Werdum’s only other loss since his setback to dos Santos came at the hands of Alistair Overeem in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. He adds the win over Russow to a decision victory against Roy Nelson earlier this year.

As for facing dos Santos again, that’s right on the forefront for Werdum, who said, “Maybe not the next fight, but I am close.”

Photo credit: Esther Lin/STRIKEFORCE