Werdum Declines Grappling Match Against Palhares After Dos Santos Withdrawal

Fabricio Werdum has opted not to participate in a grappling match against Rousimar Palhares after Junior dos Santos withdrew from their scheduled fight at Kings Championship 2 in Florianopolis, Brazil.

Palhares offered to step in as a replacement after dos Santos' exit from the event promoted by Rafael Cordeiro. However, Werdum, a former UFC heavyweight champion, declined the offer, citing concerns over Palhares' history with controversial submission techniques.

Palhares has faced criticism for holding submissions beyond the point of his opponents' taps, leading to his release from the UFC in 2013. He contested Werdum's remarks, stating he was not banned but rather let go due to pressure from his opponents. The Kings Championship 2 event will continue with a new grappling match to be announced, while Werdum has not specified a preferred replacement opponent.