Werdum elbow surgery puts Emelianenko rematch on hold

It appears the potential rematch between Fabricio Werdum and Fedor Emelianenko is going to have to wait until 2011 as Werdum will undergo an operation on his elbow.

Our friends over at MMAMania.com have this translated quote from Werdum:

"Everything has changed for better for me. That was very important. I've gotten over 30 phone calls a day in my gym after the win, more students have come, the seminar value went up. It's like at any other profession, a singer, soccer player, as you develop and get the spotlight the value changes. After the seminars I will undergo a surgery on my elbow that I have put off for some time. We're in July and I only want to come back 100-percent recovered. I think it's hard to make it back this year due the physical therapy, conditioning and all else. Then I might just get back next year."

Kid Nate over at Bloody Elbow spoke with M-1 Global's Evgeni Kogan about the situation:

Kogan: (Werdum's) gotta do what he's gotta do. The re-match will be there, pre elbow surgery or post. That's what the fans want and that's what they will eventually get.

Bloody Elbow: So no Overeem bout while we wait for Werdum?

Kogan: We have yet to talk to our partners. So news on that in a little while.

BE: When you say "our partners" does that mean Strikeforce?

Kogan: Strikeforce and Showtime.We are working with them both. Scott Coker, Ken Hershman and Jock McLean.

BE: Is there ANY possibility of Fedor fighting in Japan on New Year's Eve while he's under contract to Strikeforce?

Kogan: I think it's possible, but unlikely. Strikeforce themselves have fighters fighting in Japan.

BE: So is it something that M-1 would consider?

Kogan: We are certainly not short of offers traditionally, for new year in Japan. I just don't think it's super realistic, but anything is possible.

The whole situation is interesting, as it seems M-1 Global is looking exclusively for a Werdum rematch. Yet more drama from M-1 Global. I can't say I'm surprised, though.