Fabricio Werdum is one of the most skilled heavyweights in MMA history, known for his legendary submission skills and capturing the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Fans know him as “Vai Cavalo” (Go Horse), the man who ended the undefeated streak of Fedor Emelianenko.
In this article, you will know Fabricio Werdum’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Fabricio Werdum’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fabrício Werdum |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1977 |
| Age | 48 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | ~243 lbs (110 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million (Estimated) |
| Wife | Karine Groff |
| Children | Julia Werdum, Joana Werdum |
| Instagram Profile | @werdum |
| Twitter Profile | @FabricioWerdum |
Early Career
Fabricio Werdum started his journey in martial arts with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He quickly became a world-class grappler, winning multiple BJJ World Championships and the prestigious ADCC submission wrestling title.
His elite ground game gave him a strong foundation for Mixed Martial Arts. He did not start striking training until much later, which makes his eventual success in striking battles even more impressive.
Werdum moved to Spain to teach Jiu-Jitsu. Later, he lived in Croatia to train with the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. This experience helped him transition into professional MMA.
He fought in smaller promotions like Jungle Fight before joining PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan. In PRIDE, he faced top-tier competition and proved he could hang with the best heavyweights in the world.
Professional Career
Werdum’s professional career is defined by huge upsets and championship glory. After PRIDE, he joined the UFC but later moved to Strikeforce. It was there that he achieved the biggest win of his career in 2010.
He submitted Fedor Emelianenko in just 69 seconds, ending the Russian legend’s 10-year unbeaten streak. This victory instantly made Werdum a superstar in the sport.
He returned to the UFC with improved striking under coach Rafael Cordeiro. He went on a dominant winning streak that led him to the title. At UFC 188 in 2015, he submitted Cain Velasquez to become the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Although he later lost the belt to Stipe Miocic, Werdum remained a top contender for years. After leaving the UFC in 2020, he competed in the PFL and even tried bare-knuckle MMA against Junior Dos Santos in 2023.
Wife
Fabricio Werdum is married to Karine Groff. She has been a strong supporter of his career for many years. Karine works as an interior designer and has also helped manage aspects of Fabricio’s public image and career.
The couple shares two daughters, Julia and Joana. Werdum often shares moments with his family on social media, showing a softer side compared to his tough fighter persona.
He has even mentioned that family reasons played a role in his decisions regarding retirement and fight schedules.
Fabricio Werdum’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Fabricio Werdum’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Fight Purses
| Event/Opponent | Result | Disclosed Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 188 vs Cain Velasquez | Win (Title Fight) | ~$500,000+ (Est. with bonus) |
| UFC on FOX 11 vs Travis Browne | Win | $175,000 |
| UFC 249 vs Alexey Oleinik | Loss | ~$400,000 (Est.) |
| Gamebred Bareknuckle vs JDS | Loss | Undisclosed (High 6-figures Est.) |
Career Earnings
| Year/Era | Estimated Reported Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2011-2012 | ~$910,000 (Accumulated) |
| 2014 | ~$400,000+ |
| 2015 (Championship Year) | $1,000,000+ (Includes PPV points) |
| 2020 (Final UFC Year) | ~$600,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 36 |
| Wins | 24 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Wins by Submission | 12 |
| Wins by Knockout | 6 |
| Wins by Decision | 6 |
FAQs
1. Did Fabricio Werdum retire from fighting?
Yes, Fabricio Werdum has largely stepped away from professional competition. Although he fought in a bare-knuckle MMA match in late 2023, he withdrew from a planned Global Fight League appearance in April 2025, signaling the end of his active career.
2. Who is Fabricio Werdum’s wife?
His wife is Karine Groff. She is a Brazilian interior designer who has been with Werdum for many years. They live together with their two daughters, Julia and Joana, and she frequently attends his major events.
3. What is Fabricio Werdum best known for?
He is best known for being the first man to defeat Fedor Emelianenko properly in MMA. That 2010 submission victory in Strikeforce is considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport.
4. How much is Fabricio Werdum worth?
Sources estimate his net worth to be between $1 million and $5 million. This total includes his earnings from fight purses in the UFC and PRIDE, his work as a commentator, and various sponsorship deals.
5. What belt rank does Werdum hold?
Fabricio holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is also a two-time ADCC submission wrestling world champion and is widely regarded as the best heavyweight grappler in MMA history.
