Sunday 20 April 2014 19:10, UK
Fabricio Werdum will challenge Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight title in Mexico after delivering his most complete performance in beating Travis Browne.
The Brazilian veteran earned a unanimous decision in Orlando, Florida after winning all five rounds against the much-fancied knock-out artist Browne.
Ground specialist Werdum displayed his improving all-round game by out-striking Browne for 25 minutes in an upset win.
The Hawaiian Browne, quite a sight at 6'7" and heavily bearded, failed to finish the fight early after stunning Werdum and proceeded to visibly tire.
After surviving an onslaught Werdum forced Browne onto his back and wobbled him with a right hand as the bell rang on a back-and-forth opener.
Browne was already moving at half speed and Werdum won round two with a takedown and surprisingly nimble striking.
By round three Werdum developed a swagger as he picked apart his exhausted opponent, mocking him before landing everything from spinning strikes to knees in the clinch.
The final 10 minutes saw the 36-year-old slow the pace and land punches at will, with Browne chasing shadows as the clock ticked.
It later emerged Browne broke his hand and possibly rib in the early exchanges.
Werdum is expected to face champion Velasquez in the autumn.
Elsewhere, Miesha Tate won a decision over Liz Carmouche, Donald Cerrone submitted Edson Barboza, Yoel Romero beat Brad Tavares and Khabib Nurmagomedov beat Rafael dos Anjos.
