Heavyweight Fabricio Werdum spent three rounds beating on Roy Nelson in UFC 143's Fight of the Night but it didn't come easy. Werdum told Brazilian news site Sporto TV Globo that his repeated knees to Nelson's face actually caused him considerable pain:
It's unbelievable. My leg is hurting, I can't even walk right because of the knees I threw. It was four or five in the same place. It opened up a cut and it broke his nose. It's impressive how he can endure punishment. The guy is a warrior, 35 years old and he can really take it. He showed this physically, even though it doesn't show.
Despite Werdum's pained leg, Nelson clearly came out on the worse end of the deal as this photo of his split open forehead shows.
Werdum also talked about his hopes for future opponents:
I never chose an opponent. I fight whoever they send me. But Frank Mir would be good. He said the other day that he thought my ground was good, it even surprised me. But I don't quite believe in him too much, he hyped it up a bit. To fight him in Brazil would be ideal.
A bout with Mir would put Werdum near the top of the division right away, which is likely fitting for the man who dethroned Fedor Emelianenko from his undefeated perch.
Translated by BE's one and only Orcus.
SBN coverage of UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit