GABRIEL GONZAGA

6' 1 "
245 Lbs.
Age: 28
Record: 8-2-0
From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gabriel Gonzaga had long been considered a serious threat to the UFC Heavyweight Champioship. After knocking out Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 70, Gonzaga earned his shot at the belt. At UFC 74, Gonzaga took on reigning champion Randy Couture. After a thrilling first two rounds, Gonzaga suffered a broken nose in the third that slowed his agression and lead to his defeat. Gabriel makes no excuses for his performance. He simply went back to the gym to train harder for his next shot at the title. The first obstacle in the way of that shot is Fabricio Werdum - the only other man to defeat him.

JOE STEVENSON

5' 4 "
230 Lbs.
Age: 30
Record: 9-3-1
From: Porto Alegre, Brazil

Highly regarded Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Fabricio Werdum made the transition to MMA in 2002. And in just his fourth fight, he defeated Gabriel Gonzaga by TKO. He would go on to have a number of fights in the PRIDE organization before making his UFC debut at UFC 70. Battling former champion Andrei Arlovski, Werdum would come up short, losing by decision. Werdum has used the loss as motivation to accomplish his goal of one day wearing the UFC Heavyweight Championship belt. A title shot may not be too far away if he can get by Gabriel Gonzaga in impressive fashion.