By MIKE JOHNSTONWorld Extreme Cagefighting is back after its successful debut in Canada at WEC 49 in June. WEC 50 sees the bantamweight championship on the line as the rematch between champ Dominick Cruz and Joseph Benavidez promises to be a classic in pint-sized pugnacity.
WEC 50 is available to watch in Canada on The Score at 9pm.
MAIN CARD
- Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez (for WEC Bantamweight Title)
This fight will make every other fight on the card look slow in comparison. Both men push a frenetic pace and have virtually unlimited cardio. Since their first fight at WEC 42, Cruz and Benavidez have improved which should make for a classic showdown. The scrambles in this fight will be legendary, like in their first bout.
Cruz will need to utilize his reach advantage as he did in the first fight. He will also use his tremendous footwork to maneuver and pick his shots. In their last fights, Cruz became the first person to beat Brian Bowles and Benavidez was the first person to submit Miguel Torres. Benavidez will need to avoid swinging wildly, but if he can catch Cruz with his overhand right, it could change the momentum of the fight. If Benavidez has made more improvements than Cruz, look for him to even the series at one. If Cruz can have the same success with a knee-tap takedown, it could be a long night for Urijah Faber’s training partner. This will be a close fight. Don’t blink!
Benavidez.
- Anthony Pettis vs. Shane Roller
With the winner all but guaranteed a title shot, look for this scrap to be a war. Pettis has the advantage on the feet, while one would have to give Roller an advantage on the mat, given he is one of the best wrestlers in the sport. Roller dominated Anthony Njokuani at WEC 48, but victory won’t come that easily against the dangerous Duke Roufus product, Pettis. If Roller can take advantage of his wrestling, he could grind out a decision win. But, Pettis is athletic enough to keep it standing, at least long enough to catch Roller with something.
Pettis by (T)KO.
- Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson
Chad Mendes is one of the top prospects in MMA and he looks to remain undefeated as he takes on Cub Swanson. His wrestling will be too strong for Swanson too handle and it should result in a one-sided win. Swanson needs to keep the fight on the feet to have a chance.
Mendes by Submission.
- Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett
The winner of this fight, especially if it is Jorgensen, will likely get the winner of Cruz/Benevidez for the bantamweight belt. Expect this to be a barnburner. Jorgensen is never in a dull scrap, and Pickett is the best 135lb fighter in the entire U.K. Jorgensen should have better wrestling and has more WEC experience, but Pickett is riding a nine-fight win streak and has a deadly guillotine choke. Jorgensen is favoured but…
Picket in an upset.
- Zach Micklewright vs. Bart Palaszewski
Micklewright is tough as nails and still improving, but Palaszewski has been around the block several times. The former IFL star can take a beating and come back to win, often in dramatic fashion. Palaszewski’s veteran savvy should be too much for the young Micklewright, but the Pat Miletich product might hit a bit too hard. Palaszewski has a definite advantage on the ground.
Micklewright by (T)KO.
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Mackens Semerzier vs. Javier Vazquez
Both men are extremely dangerous on the ground. Vasquez is coming off a dominating performance over Jens Pulver (which sadly isn’t saying much these days), while Semerzier holds a submission win over Xtreme Couture Toronto’s Wagnney Fabiano. Standup could be the deciding factor.
Semerzier.
- Maciej Jewtuszko vs. Anthony Njokuani
Njokuani was on a roll and a title shot was in his grasp before he ran into the superior grappling of Shane Roller in his last bout. Prior to that loss, Njokuani had won three consecutive “KO of the Night” awards including one over Chris Horodecki. His opponent, Maciej Jewtuszko (7-0), is new to the WEC but brings some dangerous weapons. Njokuani is susceptible to submissions and Jewtuszko has submitted four of his opponents.
Njokuani by (T)KO.
- Dave Jansen vs. Ricardo Lamas
These two prototypical wrestling-based lightweights, with only one loss apiece, look to get back into the title picture with an impressive win at WEC 50. This fight could come down to which fighter has the better wrestling, and in that case Lamas should have the advantage. Expect this to be a tough contest between two grinders.
Lamas by Decision.
- Bryan Caraway vs. Fredson Paixao
Caraway, boyfriend of Strikeforce women’s contender, Miesha Tate, is coming off an armbar loss to Ontario’s Mark Hominick and looks to bounce back. It will be a tough task, though, since he takes on strong submission artist Fredson Paixao. Caraway will look to use his wrestling to take control of the fight, but he must be weary of Paixao’s grappling; the Brazilian has never been finished in his six-year career.
Paixao by Submission.
- Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier
With only one year of professional experience, 21-year-old Dustin Poirier has amassed a 7-0 record. He takes on Danny Castillo who is coming off two consecutive losses, including a brutal “KO of the Year” candidate at the hands of Anthony Pettis. Look for Castillo to come out hungry. He is a training partner of Urijah Faber and Joseph Benavidez and should be at his best. However, if Poirier can defeat the proven WEC vet, then there is a new lightweight prospect to keep an eye on.
Castillo.
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