Mike Johnston
Anyone who is unfamiliar with the UFC’s sister company, World Extreme Cagefighting, won’t be after WEC 48. The promotion’s first foray into pay-per-view waters is promising to be one of the most exciting fight cards in recent memory. This comes as encouraging news to MMA fans across Canada who were disappointed by the last two major MMA events. UFC 112 and Strikeforce Nashville ended with embarrassing spectacles, tarnishing the sport in many people’s eyes. Perhaps the biggest fight in featherweight history and a rematch of 2009’s “Fight of the Year” will hush the sport’s critics.
“It’s been a bad couple weeks for MMA,” said UFC President Dana White during the WEC 48 conference call. “I want to get [the Aldo/Faber] fight on as soon as possible to erase what happened in the last two weeks. I’m very excited for this fight. If it’s not fight of the year, it will be a contender for fight of the year.”
Fans in Canada can watch two preliminary fights live on Spike TV starting at 9 p.m. ET. The pay-per-view card begins at 10 p.m. ET and is available to order for $44.99 Canadian.
Here is a preview of WEC 48:
Jose Aldo vs. Urijah Faber (for featherweight title)
Without question, these are two of the quickest, most dynamic and exciting fighters to watch. Although he was only crowned featherweight champ in November, Jose Aldo has arguably been the best 145-pounder in the world for upwards of two years. Urijah Faber is easily one of the most likable fighters in the sport and is the most celebrated featherweight of all time.
Faber possesses flashy, unpredictable striking, excellent submissions and wrestling, and near-endless cardio and heart. The only problem is Aldo has the same qualities, except his striking and submissions are more devastating. Aldo is as quick as Faber with KO power, and the scary thing is people say his jiu-jitsu is the best part of his game. Faber’s best chance of winning this fight will be getting it to the ground and doing damage from top position; the longer the fight goes, the stronger Faber should get. “The California Kid” has the tools to defeat Aldo, but he will need to fight flawlessly in order to beat the blue-chip Brazilian.
This fight could go one of two ways: it could be a lengthy, technical battle where both fighters are cautious and respectful of the other’s talents; or, it could be a flamboyant display of unorthodox strikes, furious transitions and submission attempts, with the end result being a spectacular finish. Fans will be hoping for the latter. Regardless of the outcome, it should be one of the most memorable main events in recent years.
Aldo by 3rd Round TKO.
Benson Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone (for lightweight title)
Although they are polar opposites outside of the cage, Ben Henderson and Donald Cerrone share several traits when fighting: they both have an unwavering will to win; they have become household names in MMA’s lightweight division; and, they were both a part of the 2009 “Fight of the Year.”
In their first meeting at WEC 43 they participated in a classic, five-round, back-and-forth war. Cerrone nearly choked out Henderson on several occasions and at one point it looked as if he was about to rip his arm off. However, Henderson persevered and was able to control Cerrone with his wrestling for a large portion of the fight. Many people thought Cerrone should have won the decision, but the judges disagreed. This fight could end up being very similar to their first encounter. It will come down to who has improved the most. Cerrone has better standup and jiu-jitsu, but Henderson has superior wrestling. Since Cerrone, was robbed in the first bout, he will do all it takes to ensure the rematch doesn’t go the distance.
Cerrone.
Mike Brown vs. Manny Gamburyan
Manny Gamburyan is well known to UFC fans and since dropping to featherweight is 2-0. However, he may be outmatched against the former featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown. Without a strength or grappling advantage, Gamburyan has little chance of beating anyone. There is a chance he could land an overhand right that changes the landscape of this fight, but it’s unlikely. Brown will not be intimidated by anything “Manvil the Anvil” brings into the cage. Gamburyan should be commended for his heart and determination, but is not yet on the level of Mike Brown.
Brown by TKO.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Shane Roller
With a win, Anthony Njokuani could get a shot at the winner of Henderson/Cerrone. He is coming off three consecutive “KO of the Night” awards, the latest being a devastating knockout of Ontario’s Chris Horodecki at WEC 46. Shane Roller is a well-rounded veteran that uses his strong wrestling and good power in his hands to wear down his opponents. His only loss in the WEC was to current lightweight champ Ben Henderson. Roller is favoured in this fight according to the betting lines, so Njokuani will need to be weary. However, if this fight stays standing, Njokuani will use his reach and power to ‘roll’ over his opponent (pun very much intended).
Njokuani by KO/TKO.
Antonio Banuelos vs. Scott Jorgensen
These two met at WEC 41 last June and it ended in a controversial split decision in Banuelos’ favour. Much like the first time they met, both of these bantamweights will likely stand and trade until someone makes a mistake or gets rocked. As of late, Jorgensen has looked tremendous and will not be intimidated by Banuelos, a training partner of Chuck Liddell. Look for Jorgensen to be a step ahead of Banuelos in another three-round war.
Jorgensen by Decision,
PRELIMS LIVE ON SPIKE TV
- Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung
Garcia always comes ready for a war. He tries to turn his fights into brawl and it often backfires on him. If Chan Sung Jung can handle Garcia’s power and relentlessness, he stands a chance at upsetting the proud Mexican-American.
- Alex Karalexis vs. Anthony Pettis
This should be a dynamic standup war with someone being violently put to sleep. Karalexis, a veteran of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, hits hard but should be outmatched by a younger, hungrier Pettis, who is coming off an early candidate for “KO of the Year” at WEC 47.
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Chad Mendes vs. Anthony Morrison
- Takeya Mizugaki vs. Rani Yahya
- Tyler Toner vs. Brandon Visher
- Demetrious Johnson vs. Brad Pickett
No comments:
Post a Comment