Issue 124

UFC heavyweight star Fabricio Werdum's wrestling coach Kenny Johnson talks about the training regime that helped 'Vai Cavalo' recover career momentum following his defeat to Alastair Overeem in 2011, a second coming which propelled Werdum to becoming undisputed UFC heavyweight champion in 2015.

Q: How long did it take for Werdum to understand the wrestling aspect of MMA?

Kenny: Fabricio is a highly skilled grappler and picked up the techniques immediately. He has always understood the importance of wrestling but never took the time to focus as specifically on it as he is now. Fabricio's re-dedication to his training and the sport has lead to unbelievable progress in all areas of his game.

Q: He’s very athletic for a heavyweight, has this helped him in his transition to wrestling?

Kenny: Fabricio is a 260lb heavyweight that has the ability to move like a light heavyweight. He’s very athletic, learns quickly and is willing to work hard. What more would a coach want?

Q: His skills as a jiu-jitsu practitioner can't be denied. What work have you done with Fabricio to make his wrestling mix with his jiu-jitsu?

Kenny: Every fighter needs the same set of basic wrestling skills in order to have the best MMA game possible, but not everyone will take the time to learn and practice them.

Fabricio and I sat down and identified which skills he felt he needed and which skills he wanted – which are two very different concepts. Additionally, we looked at his upcoming opponent and came up with a schedule to learn and practice so that he was building his overall skills while focusing on a specific opponent. All this was done keeping in mind Fabricio's style and what specific variations of techniques would work best for him.

Q: What aspects of the wrestling game do you think Fabricio has improved in the most since you began working with him?

Kenny: During his career he has improved dramatically his overall approach to wrestling and the implementation into his specific fighting style. It has been very evident in his fights.

Q: How often do you spend with Fabricio when he's in training camp?

Kenny: I usually see him two to three days a week. He’s been on a great training schedule the past five to six months, only taking a small amount of time off in between fights... there is just no ‘out of camp’ for this guy! He’s very focused on being the best fighter he can be.