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Kharitonov explains reasons for not signing with the UFC, would still rematch champ Werdum

Russian heavyweight Sergei Kharitonov explains the reasons why he decided not to sign with the UFC.

Currently riding a five-fight win streak dating back to 2011, many fans and pundits believed it would only be a matter of time before Sergei Kharitonov would join the UFC heavyweight ranks. Yet in a recent interview with Russian news source MK, Kharitonov revealed the reasons that made him hesitant to sign with the promotion.

"To be honest, I just think that the UFC does not need a Russian champion," Kharitonov explained. "This conclusion I made a long time watching this promotion.