Sunday Night Fever: WEC Style

Few meet the purchase of the WEC by Zuffa with eager anticipation. After all, the organization was to simply become a feeder organization for the much larger and powerful UFC. Not so fast.

Since the purchase, the WEC has done nothing but put on top notch shows with some of the best mixed-martial artists in the game. Fueled by the emergence of the featherweight and bantamweight divisions, the organization has become one of the powerhouses of MMA. The proof is in the fight card, and Sunday night is no different.

The Main Event

Former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will take on current WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber in a classic striker vs. grappler battle. Both fighters will be looking to show a strong overall game in order to avoid their opponent’s strengths. In short, Pulver will use his wrestling to keep the fight standing; Faber will use his striking to put the fight on the ground.

Fighting off chokes and dodging jabs, WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber has garnered national attention for his all out style and his coolness under pressure. Even with a black belt in Jujitsu on his back, the California Kid has retained his WEC gold. Is Pulver his kryptonite?

For Jens Pulver, a win means a brand new chapter to his career; a loss just might signal the end. After looking dominant in his first fight under the WEC banner, the veteran will look to continue his rejuvenated ways. The task may be impossible, as he’ll have to avoid the relentless takedowns of Faber in order to impose the will of his dangerous left hand.

The Title Fight No One Knows About: Bantamweight

Ask the average MMA fan who Miguel Torres is, and expect to get a perplexed look in return. What they don’t know, will still entertain them.

At 33-1, Torres is doing his part to gain the notoriety he deserves. Know simply as “the guy with the mullet,” the current champion earned his gold in dominant fashion. In 3:59 he tapped out then-champion Chase Beebe to become the most unknown WEC champion in the organization. After Sunday night, that just might change.

Standing in Torres’s way is Yoshiro Maeda. Far from a slouch, the Pancrase, DEEP and Pride veteran will make his second appearance in the WEC cage. In what looks to be another classic fight between striker and grappler, Maeda has a tall mountain to climb in the 135-pound Torres.

Worth a Watch

The WEC is going to bring more to a cable television show than most organizations bring to a PPV. Fighters like Rob McCoulough, Chase Beebe and Jeff Curran all line the power packed undercard. Even better than that is the asking price: nothing.

For those who have yet to check out the awesomeness of the WEC, now is your time for redemption. This card has everything a fight fan needs: drama, suspence and good competition. The only thing it’s missing, is you.

PEACE
Brett “The Conqueor” Beverly