MMA Mania translates from Super Lutas:
"Everything has changed for better for me. That was very important. I've gotten over 30 phone calls a day in my gym after the win, more students have come, the seminar value went up. It's like at any other profession, a singer, soccer player, as you develop and get the spotlight the value changes. After the seminars I will undergo a surgery on my elbow that I have put off for some time. We're in July and I only want to come back 100-percent recovered. I think it's hard to make it back this year due the physical therapy, conditioning and all else. Then I might just get back next year."
Portal do Vale Tudo (page 33) has more from Werdum (HT BE reader ShiftyK):
There are a few priorities at the moment. One of them is getting surgery on my arm, since I'm suffering from tennis elbow. This really gets in the way of my training, and if someone catches me in an armlock, it could get ugly, 'cause it hurts a lot. I'll have to go under the knife, since I've already delayed it several times. I've been like this for two years, always saying that I'd operate after each fight, but nothing. I feel that now is the time. I'm doing a series of seminars in Europe to enjoy the moment, and I'll have surgery wehn I come back, already with my eye on the next fight.
This news obviously begs raises the question of whether or not Fedor will wait for Werdum or if he'll challenge Alistair Overeem for the Strikeforce title. Fedor's management has said they are not afraid of agreeing to the Strikeforce champions clause (from NHB News via Fight Opinion):
Regarding the issue of a ‘champion's clause' in a contract, M-1's official stance is they are open to any possibilities, including a contract extension or no contract extension. They are happy with the current state of their relationship with Showtime and Strikeforce, "which is saying a lot." Having a champion's clause in a contract would not be considered a deal-breaker.
The wildcard could be a NYE bout in Japan, possibly against Josh Barnett. But most think there isn't enough money in Japanese MMA these days to afford that fight.
Expect this decision to be drawn out, public and torturous for fans and promoters alike.