Wec 50...

[Vaughany]

1 Week away until WEC 50, an awesome card IMO. Gonna be betting on Benavidez, Roller, Mendes, Jorgensen, Palaszewski, Vazquez, Lamas, Paixao and Castillo.

Official fight card

Main card:

Bantamweight Championship bout: Dominick Cruz (c) vs. Joseph Benavidez

Lightweight bout: Shane Roller vs. Anthony Pettis

Featherweight bout: Cub Swanson vs. Chad Mendes

Bantamweight bout: Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett

Lightweight bout: Bart Palaszewski vs. Zach Micklewright

Preliminary Card:

Lightweight bout: Anthony Njokuani vs. Maciej Jewtuszko
Featherweight bout: Javier Vazquez vs. Mackens Semerzier
Lightweight bout: Ricardo Lamas vs. Dave Jansen
Featherweight bout: Fredson Paixão vs. Bryan Caraway
Lightweight bout: Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier

[KCJMAC]

1 Week away until WEC 50, an awesome card IMO. Gonna be betting on Benavidez, Roller, Mendes, Jorgensen, Palaszewski, Vazquez, Lamas, Paixao and Castillo.

Vaughany, can you talk a little bit about why you like Roller over Pettis? I was flipping channels and caught WEC Wreckage the other night. Thought Pettis looked better in his fight against Karalexis than Roller did versus Hicks, but I'm certainly no expert on either fighter.

Thanks!

[Handjuice]

I've got Pettis in that fight, he seems to have the full package and impressed me with his KO of Castillo

[playa420]

looks like a good card, im gonna be going with Cruz.Benivedez is too small, and hes not gonna be able to handle Dominicks Standup.Its been a while since I watched the first fight, but if i remember correctly, Cruz dominated pretty good.

[Vaughany]

Vaughany, can you talk a little bit about why you like Roller over Pettis? I was flipping channels and caught WEC Wreckage the other night. Thought Pettis looked better in his fight against Karalexis than Roller did versus Hicks, but I'm certainly no expert on either fighter.

Thanks!

Sure thing bro! Firstly, whilst the Pettis Karalexis fight was Pettis' most recent bout, Roller has fought twice since that Hicks fight, beating Castillo by sub in third round and then most recently choking out a talented striker in Njokuani in the first round with ease (which annoyed me greatly as Id stupidly been bought in to the Njokuani hype and had placed a unit on him to beat Roller!). You would probably have been a bit more impressed with Roller if Wreckage had of shown his Njokuani fight!

Roller is a three-time All-American at Oklahoma State. This is all the more significant as Oklahoma State's 34 national championships is currently the most championships ever won by a program in the NCAA. Statistically, Oklahoma State wrestling is the most dominant program of any sport at the collegiate or professional level. Their very own Chris Perry is arguably the best wrestler in the country period. So, being a three-time All-American from Oklahoma State is a big deal and it's obvious that Roller is going to hold a rather substantial wrestling advantage over Pettis in this fight.

Pettis is an awesome talent and definitely has impressive kickboxing/muay thai (through training with the likes of Duke Roufus and Pat Barry in Millwaukee. I'm a massive fan and can see him potentially being a champion one day. One of my best plays ever was puttin 2.5 units on him to beat Castillo at +125 and made money on him against Karalexis as well. However, I just think he is too green currently, and will be overwhelmed by Roller's constant pressure and smothering grappling. Im using the fight between Pettis and Bart Palaszewski as a basis/template of sorts for what I feel should happen in the Roller Pettis match-up. The only fighter that has ever given Pettis any trouble was Palaszewski who managed to get a split decision win over Pettis. This was from him constantly coming at Pettis, pressuring him and not giving him enough time to set up leg kicks (unlike Castillo fight) or triangles from the back (unlike Karalexis' and Campbell's downfall). Roller's pressure and grappling ability is a whole level above Palaszewski's. Furthermore, although it is clear Pettis is very slick off his back, submitting a high-level grappler like Roller is going to be a hell of lot more difficult than making a guy like Karalexis (who is a very average fighter IMO) or MIke Campbell (BJJ blue-belt) tap out. In the Palaszewski fight Pettis was very flashy and also very cocky, constantly with his hands down trying to bait Bart. If he does this in the Roller fight he might end up getting KO'd as although Pettis will have an advantage in the stand-up, I do think Roller has more KO power and could tag Pettis. Pettis took some big shots from Palaszewski in the first round of their fight and got dropped in the final round (which probly helped Bart get the decision), this shows that although his striking is awesome and very exciting, he does leave himself open to shots (both punches and takedowns).

Overall, I see Roller's combination of experience, superior grappling, and explosiveness being too much for the young but highly talented Pettis. Not sure if I'd of taken Roller at -200 but I'll take him at -175. Will probably add Pettis to a parlay of some sort of back-up option in case he does manage to pull off the win! Finally, here is some footage of the Roller vs Gomi exhibition grappling match that took place at a FanExpo and ended with Roller submitting Gomi comfortably...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJRV19qKxKY

[Chairib]

I'd still put the Dan Gable coached teams at Iowa over Oklahoma State.

[Vaughany]

I'd still put the Dan Gable coached teams at Iowa over Oklahoma State.

Yee 60s and 70s Gable and Iowa dominated, and Oklahoma weren't great in mid 90s, but Oklahoma have bounced back since 2000, winning 2003-2006 national championships. What do you make of Roller's and Pettis' BJJ Chairib as ur the one with the BJJ knowledge?! Do you think Pettis can sub Roller off his back?

[KCJMAC]

Grest analysis, Vaughany! Much appreciated.

I agree that Karalexis is a somewhat average fighter, so seeing Pettis teeing off on him may have influenced my thinking.

[Vaughany]

Article from Oklahoma State Wrestling site:

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Mark Munoz and Shane Roller were named today to the first team 2001 National Wrestling Coaches Association Division I all-academic team.

Munoz, a native of Vallejo, Calif., posted a 3.41 GPA in health promotions, earning first-team distinction for the second-straight year. The senior captured his first NCAA Championship in 2001 at 197 pounds, while compiling a 121-31 career record.

Joining Munoz on the first team is Roller a sophomore from Bixby, Okla. Roller, who finished third at 157 pounds at the NCAA Championships, sports a 3.21 GPA in psychology.

The NWCA honors the top-25 Division I wrestling teams, as well as first team, second team and honorable mention Academic All-Americans.

Both Munoz and Roller also earned Academic All-Big 12 honors. Munoz was named to the first team along with Pat Popolizio, while Roller was joined on the second team by teammate Ty Wilcox.

Munoz is a four-time member of the Academic All-Big 12 Team, while Roller earned the nod for the second time.

Worth noting that other Oklahoma State All-Americans includes the likes of: Munoz (2000, 2001), Cormier (2001), Jake Rosholt (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), Muhammed Lawal (2003), Johny Hendrix (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) & of course Randy Couture in early 90s!

[Chairib]

Yee 60s and 70s Gable and Iowa dominated, and Oklahoma weren't great in mid 90s, but Oklahoma have bounced back since 2000, winning 2003-2006 national championships. What do you make of Roller's and Pettis' BJJ Chairib as ur the one with the BJJ knowledge?! Do you think Pettis can sub Roller off his back?

For me nothing can ever beat Gable's Iowa team that won the championship in 1997. That team was nuts. 1997 was a great year for collegiate wrestling in general. Joe Williams and Carry Kolat were tearing it up.

From what I've seen of Pettis and Roller in MMA (one fight a piece), Pettis' got a good ground game but I don't know if it's good enough against Roller's wrestling base. I'm going to see if I have more film on these guys and break it down tonight.

Right now, I think it's Roller. BUT, let me watch more film so I can give you an opinion that's based on more than one fight respectively.

[Vaughany]

For me nothing can ever beat Gable's Iowa team that won the championship in 1997. That team was nuts. 1997 was a great year for collegiate wrestling in general. Joe Williams and Carry Kolat were tearing it up.

From what I've seen of Pettis and Roller in MMA (one fight a piece), Pettis' got a good ground game but I don't know if it's good enough against Roller's wrestling base. I'm going to see if I have more film on these guys and break it down tonight.

Right now, I think it's Roller. BUT, let me watch more film so I can give you an opinion that's based on more than one fight respectively.

Good stuff, look forward to it. Yee Joe Williams was a bad ass, Kerry McCoy as well.

[Mr.Kitty]

Im probably gonna tail one of you guys on this event, dont know shit about WEC fighters. I have never even watched an event ever, only highlights. The only fighters I know of are Aldo, Faber and Torres . Someone need to help me . Vaughany are there any good dogs on the card?

[Vaughany]

Im probably gonna tail one of you guys on this event, dont know shit about WEC fighters. I have never even watched an event ever, only highlights. The only fighters I know of are Aldo, Faber and Torres . Someone need to help me . Vaughany are there any good dogs on the card?

Well your seriously missing out bro! Even tho I'm a UFC obsessive, I actually prefer the WEC! I dont think I've ever seen a boring fight since I started watching UFC about a year and a half ago. With regard to any dogs, that is one thing about this card, I don't think there are any that jump out - although the odds aren't out for majority of fights yet - but nonetheless I don't expect there to be any surprises. If you can get Benavidez at +200 against Cruz (main event) that would probably be the best dog IMO. I would put a small play on him at that, but he is -175 on PaddyPower so im unlikely to make a play. You can get him at +220 or something on Pinnacle though which is great value. Cruz has beaten Benavidez before by decision, but Benadvidez has improved greatly since then and their fight wasnt particularly one sided. My biggest plays will probably be Roller, and Vasquez if Vasquez is -175 or better against Semerzier.

[Shane]

Completely agree with your analysis of Roller/Pettis. I'm torn on the Cruz/Benavidez fight, though. How do you see that one going down? The speed and reach of Cruz has me leaning towards him, but Joe is a nasty little beast of a man.

[Chairib]

Good stuff, look forward to it. Yee Joe Williams was a bad ass, Kerry McCoy as well.

By the way did you get to watch Pettis' fight with Palaszewski? I've been looking all over for it and really want to see this fight. Why can't they make WEC prelims available online like they do with the UFC???

[Mr.Kitty]

Well your seriously missing out bro! Even tho I'm a UFC obsessive, I actually prefer the WEC! I dont think I've ever seen a boring fight since I started watching UFC about a year and a half ago. With regard to any dogs, that is one thing about this card, I don't think there are any that jump out - although the odds aren't out for majority of fights yet - but nonetheless I don't expect there to be any surprises. If you can get Benavidez at +200 against Cruz (main event) that would probably be the best dog IMO. I would put a small play on him at that, but he is -175 on PaddyPower so im unlikely to make a play. You can get him at +220 or something on Pinnacle though which is great value. Cruz has beaten Benavidez before by decision, but Benadvidez has improved greatly since then and their fight wasnt particularly one sided. My biggest plays will probably be Roller, and Vasquez if Vasquez is -175 or better against Semerzier.

Thanks bro, I will check that Roller guy up . I would like to start following WEC, looks action packed but they dont show these events in my country which complicate things. And now they are trying to ruin UFC for me by switching it to another channel that I dont have . I need to solve this because there is no way I can be without UFC!

[Vaughany]

Thanks bro, I will check that Roller guy up . I would like to start following WEC, looks action packed but they dont show these events in my country which complicate things. And now they are trying to ruin UFC for me by switching it to another channel that I dont have . I need to solve this because there is no way I can be without UFC!

I thought u said in another thread that u wer based in England? Or am I just presuming that because you said you used bet365?! If u are in England then I hope ur not talking about UFC changing from ESPN to another channel? That would be tragic!
I just watch WEC on a stream through justin.tv or watch the fights the next day on MMA-Core. Here's the Pettis vs Castillo fight...brutal KO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSClPXMgUYo

[Vaughany]

By the way did you get to watch Pettis' fight with Palaszewski? I've been looking all over for it and really want to see this fight. Why can't they make WEC prelims available online like they do with the UFC???

I did, but it was a while ago and on MMATKO.com I think. Most of there videos of fights have been "removed due to infringment" I believe so unlikely it's on there now. I'll have a look around tho, was an entertaining fight.

[Vaughany]

Here is http://www.profighting-fans.com predictions for WEC 50. They don't have a very good record, but I agree with most of their predictions for this event, apart from Jorgensen and Cruz.:

WEC 50 Predictions: WEC 50 Fight Previews & Predictions

Pro Fighting Fans is the home of WEC fans across the world and we now bring you the best place to find the latest WEC preview. WEC 50 is fast approaching and you can find the WEC 50 fight card and preview below.
The next event for WEC will be WEC 50 on August 18, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada with a card that features a Bantamweight title fight. You can also view our review of the WEC 49 results which featured a terrible draw as former Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner was robbed of a win over Kamal Shalorus. Fans can now buy WEC tickets online through Pro Fighting Fans to all of these exciting WEC events.




Preliminary WEC 50 Fight Predictions:


Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier

A lightweight bout between Danny “Last Call” Castillo (8-3) and promotional newcomer Dustin Poirier (7-0) will take place on the WEC 50 undercard. Castillo needs a win to assure him a spot on the organization’s 155-lb. roster, while Poirier has seven submissions in seven bouts while building his record on the local circuit.
Castillo, 30, is a three year professional who trains out of the California-based Team Alpha Male. He built his record fighting in Gladiators Challenge, Cage Combat FC, and Palace FC organizations, going a perfect five for five. He debuted for the Zuffa in June 2008 at WEC 34, however losing via submission against Donald Cerrone. He rebounded by winning three consecutive over Rafael Dias, Phil Cardella, and Ricardo Lamas, two of which stoppage victories. He has recently been brought back down to earth losing his last two, first against Shane Roller at WEC 44, and then to Anthony Pettis in March at WEC 47.
Poirier, 21, has only been fighting as a professional for a little over a year. Upon turning pro, he made four of his seven appearances for the USA MMA organization. He has also fought for southern promotions like Cajun FC, Bang FC, and Ringside MMA. This will be his third fight of 2010; his most recent coming in June for the Ringside MMA organization, a 57-second KO of 6-1 Derek Gauthier.
Prediction – Poirier submission


Fredson Paixao vs. Bryan Caraway

A bout that was first set to happen in March will be revisited on the WEC 50 undercard when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Fredson Paixao (9-3, 1 NC) and submission specialist Bryan Caraway (14-4) meet in a featherweight bout. The bout, previously set to go down at WEC 47, was cancelled when Caraway went down with an injury in training.
Paixao, 31, was a world champion grappler who held many titles before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2004. He won eight of his first ten professional bouts, mostly coming while fighting in the Jungle Fight organization. He made his organizational debut at WEC 40 in April of last year losing a decision against fellow Brazilian Wagnney Fabiano. He was also tagged with a split decision loss at WEC 42 against Cole Province, but after Province failed a post-fight drug test, the bout was overturned to a no contest. He did bounce back in the must-win situation at the March WEC 47 with a 1 st round submission victory over Courtney Buck to save his job with the promotion.
Caraway, 27, is a Seattle-born mixed martial artist who trains nearby at the Victory Athletics gym. He made his professional debut in September 2005 and was impressive early on in his career winning ten of his first twelve. He has really started to transition into some notable organizations over the last two years, appearing for both Elite XC and Strikeforce. He won three in a row from November 2008 to October 2009 earning himself a WEC contract. He debuted on the January 2010 WEC 46, but was defeated in the 1st round by Canadian veteran Mark Hominick.
Prediction – Paixao submission

> Fans can buy UFC apparel & merchandise as well as MMA shirts and other MMA gear online through Pro Fighting Fans!

Ricardo Lamas vs. Dave Jansen

A lightweight match-up pitting two former wrestlers will take place on the WEC 50 preliminary card when Ricardo Lamas (8-1) meets Dave Jensen (14-1). Lamas will go for his third straight WEC victory while Jansen looks to rebound from his first career loss.
Lamas, 28, is an Illinois-born purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu who trains at the Top Notch gym. After finishing his collegiate wrestling career at Elmhurst College, he caught on as an assistant coach before making his pro MMA debut in January 2008. He fought for four different promotions in eleven months, winning all five in the process. He was signed to the WEC in 2009 and made his debut at WEC 39 with a surprising decision victory over Bart Palaszewski. He was then knocked out by Danny Castillo at WEC 42, but rebounded with back-to-back victories in his last two bouts. He defeated James Krause at WEC 44 and KO’ed Bendy Casimir with a flying knee at WEC 47 in March.
Jansen, 30, is an Oregon-born mixed martial artist who stayed in his home state to train at Team Quest. He made his professional debut over three years ago and won his first thirteen bouts including three straight for the M-1 Challenge organization. He brought his streak to fourteen straight with a WEC 43 victory over Richard Crunkilton. He was finally defeated in his most recent bout at WEC 46 by unanimous decision against Kamal Shalorus.
Prediction – Lamas decision


Javier Vazquez vs. Mackens Semerzier

Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Javier “Showtime” Vazquez (14-4) will meet BJJ purple belt Mackens Semerzier (5-1) in a preliminary card bout contested in the featherweight division. Vazquez comes in after recording his first organizational victory; Semerzier was defeated for the first time in his most recent bout.
Vazquez, 33, is a Cuban-born mixed martial artist who has been trained for most of his career by Carlson Gracie. “Showtime” debuted twelve years ago and won ten of his first twelve pro bouts while fighting for organizations such as King of the Cage and Shooto before taking more than two years off from competition. He returned in February 2007 and won his first three bouts, twice for Elite XC and once for Ultimate Chaos. He signed with the WEC in 2009 and lost his first two WEC bouts, both by very tight split decisions. After losses to LC Davis and Deividas Taurosevicius, he earned his first WEC victory at WEC 47 this past March with a 1 st round submission of Jens Pulver.
Semerzier is a Miami-born mixed martial artist who got his start while in the United State Marines. He began training while still in the military and continues to train in Virginia Brach at the Linxx Academy. He began competing as a professional in 2008 and won his first four while fighting on the North Carolina and Virginia local circuit. After only five pro fights, he was signed to fight at WEC 43 and pulled off one of the year’s biggest upsets when he submitted BJJ black belt Wagnney Fabiano. He suffered a setback in his most recent bout at WEC 46 when Deividas Taurosevicius earned a decision victory over him.
Prediction – Vazquez decision


Anthony Njokuani vs. Maciej Jewtuszko

Nigerian-American lightweight Anthony “The Assassin” Njokuani (12-3, 1 NC) will welcome Polish-import and WEC rookie Maciej “Irokez” Jewtuszko (7-0) into the organization on the WEC 50 undercard. Njokuani will try and get back in the winning column after suffering his second WEC loss in April. This will be Jewtuszko’s first bout on American soil.
Njokuani, 30, is a muay-thai striking specialist who trains out of the Janjira gym in Texas. After making his May 2003 professional debut, “The Assassin” rattled off seven straight wins while fighting on the Texas local circuit. He was dealt his first official loss when Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone defeated him at an April 2007 Ring of Fire bout; however he turned it around by winning back-to-back bouts and earning his WEC contract. He was stopped in his WEC 38 debut by the division’s current champion, Ben Henderson, however leaped up the 155-pound hierarchy with three straight “KO of Night” performances. With a possible title shot on the line, Njokuani was submitted in his most recent fight in April at WEC 48 by Shane Roller.
Jewtuszko is a four-year professional who comes to the United States for the first time in his career. “Irokez” trains in his homeland of Poland with the Berserkers Team. The muay-thai and BJJ specialist made his pro debut in late-2005. He has fought seven times in four-plus years, finishing all seven opponents, three via knockout and four with submissions. Most of his bouts have been on Polish soil; however he has also traveled to Germany for a couple fights as well. In his most recent bout this June in Germany, Jewtuszko submitted Edvardas Norkeliunas (12-6 at the time) with a heel hook 3:42 into the 1st round.
Prediction – Njokuani TKO

Bart Palaszewski vs. Zach Micklewright

Journeyman lightweight Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski (34-13) will butt heads with WEC sophomore Zach Micklewright (7-0) on the WEC 50 main card. Both 155-pounders are coming in off of victories, “Bartimus” won in March at WEC 47 and Micklewright earned his most recent win in December at WEC 45.
Palaszewski, 27, is an eight year professional who hails from Poland but trains in Illinois at the Team Curran gym. His career got off to a rocky beginning when he lost his first four bouts, but he turned it around over the next four years while fighting in some mid-major organizations, losing only three times over his next twenty-four bouts. He then debuted for the popular IFL in April of 2006, winning eight and losing four over his two year stint. When the IFL closed their doors, he fought once for Adrenaline before catching on with the WEC. He lost two of his first three, but after he was forced to pick up a win outside of the organization, returned to win back-to-back bouts and climb back up the lightweight ladder.
Micklewright, 23, has been competing as a professional now for almost four full years. The current Miletich Fighting Systems member debuted in October 2006 and won all of his first six bouts while in the Extreme Challenge, Midwest King of the Ring, and Glory Fighting Championships organizations. After two KO’s and one submission, Micklewright was signed to the WEC where he debuted in last year’s WEC 45. The part-time US Marine showed his potential with a three round unanimous decision victory over veteran Mushin Corbbrey in that debut.
Prediction – Palaszewski decision


Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett

Surging bantamweights, Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen (10-3) and Brad “One Punch” Pickett (19-4) will go at it on the WEC 50 main card, in a fight that has possible title implications. Jorgensen comes in a winner in all of his last four WEC bouts, and Pickett will arrive carrying a nine-fight unbeaten streak with him.
Jorgensen, 27, is a former collegiate wrestler (Boise State) turned mixed martial artist who trains in his Idaho hometown at Twisted Genetiks. After “Young Guns” debuted in June 2006, he won three of his first four bouts while fighting for Ring of Fire and Alaska FC. He moved into the Elite XC organization where he competed on the developmental Sho XC series, winning his only bout there. In February 2008 Jorgensen transitioned into the WEC, however had only limited success initially. After splitting his first four bouts in the promotion, he has made significant changes for the better and won his last four fights. His last victory came in April at WEC 48 defeating Antonio Banuelos by unanimous decision.
Pickett, 31, made his professional mixed martial arts debut in November 2004 for the Cage Rage organization and won six of his first eight bouts, including winning the organizations featherweight title. In October 2006, he began fighting outside of the Cage Rage promotion, but after only a couple of bouts for Bodog and K-1 Dynamite, returned to fight full-time in England. He made the move back to England in August 2007 winning seven straight in Cage Rage, FX3, and Ultimate Challenge organizations. He improved his winning streak to nine straight with victories in his first two WEC bouts. He earned “submission of night” honors in his December 2009 WEC 45 victory over Kyle Dietz, and most recently earned a unanimous decision victory over Demetrious Johnson this April at WEC 48.
Prediction – Pickett TKO


Cub Swanson vs. Chad Mendes

Veteran featherweight Cub Swanson (14-3) will try and derail surging Team Alpha Male fighter Chad “Money Shot” Mendes (7-0) in a WEC 50 main card bout. Both fighters are coming in off of WEC victories; Swanson won at last November’s WEC 44 and Mendes at April’s WEC 48.
Swanson, 26, is a six year professional mixed marital artist who specializes in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Greg Jackson-trained featherweight won nine of his first ten bouts while fighting in the Total Combat, King of the Cage, and Battle in Bakersfield promotions. He arrived in the WEC and won his first two bouts before losing and having to prove himself yet again. He won one bout outside of the organization and returned with successful results. He has won two of three since returning, losing only to current featherweight champion Jose Aldo. He won his most recent fight at WEC 44 over John Franchi this past November.
Mendes, 25, is a former All-American wrestler from Cal Poly Tech who stayed home to train with Team Alpha Male. After wrapping up his stellar college wrestling career, he made his professional debut in late 2008. He fought exclusively for Palace FC and won all five of his mid-major circuit fights to earn a place among the WEC’s 145-pounders. He debuted for the promotion in March at WEC 47 with a unanimous decision victory over Erik Koch, and then followed that up with an April WEC 48 submission victory over Anthony Morrison. He has gone to a decision in four of his seven career bouts.
Prediction – Mendes decision


Shane Roller vs. Anthony Pettis

A pair of one-loss lightweights will go at it in a crucial WEC 50 main card bout, as Team Takedown’s Shane Roller (8-2) battles Roufasport’s Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (10-1). Roller comes in with three straight WEC victories; Pettis has recorded back-to-back stoppage victories since his last loss.
Roller, 31, is a former Oklahoma State University wrestler who made the transition into MMA after his three time All-American tenure came to an end. The transition didn’t start smooth, losing his first professional bout, but after winning his next three, he was handed a WEC contract. He won his first two inside the WEC’s octagon before being defeated by the current champion Benson Henderson at WEC 40. He has rebounded quite nicely winning three consecutive bouts since then including an April WEC 48 submission of Anthony Njokuani.
Pettis, 23, is a Wisconsin-born Roufasport-trained mixed martial artist who made his professional debut in late-2007. He won his first eight official bouts which included a WEC 41 submission over Mike Campbell. His first career loss didn’t come until WEC 45 against Bart Palaszewski; however, since that loss he has rebounded with back-to-back victories defeating Danny Castillo at WEC 47 and Alex Karalexis at WEC 48 this past April. Nine of his ten victories have come by stoppage, four by KO and five via submission.
Prediction – Roller decision

> After the fights are complete, find the WEC 50 results & recap online at ProFighting-fans.com and look forward to the WEC 51 fight card & rumors for the first ever PPV World Extreme Cagefighting event and check out Urijah Faber's Form Athletics MMA clothing!

WEC 50 Main Event:


Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez

A much-anticipated rematch pitting the current Bantamweight champion, Dominick Dominator” Cruz (15-1), versus the number one contender, Joseph Benavidez (12-1) for the 135-pound strap, will go down as the WEC 50 main event. Cruz comes in winning five straight, including his WEC 47 title claiming bout, and Benavidez comes in off of back-to-back stoppage victories.
Cruz, 24, is a San Diego-native who stays in-home to train at Alliance MMA where he specializes in boxing and wrestling. The “Dominator” debuted as a professional in January 2005 and won his first nine while fighting in the Rage in the Cage and Total Combat organizations. He first appeared in the organization at WEC 26, but was defeated by Urijah Faber for the featherweight championship, and left as soon as he came in. After a March 2008 victory in the Total Combat promotion, he returned and has won all five of his bouts since. His WEC 47 bout this past March earned him the much-coveted 135-pound belt taking it away from previous champ, Brian Bowles. Cruz has not lost in well over three full years of competition.
Benavidez, 26, is a Texas-born wrestler and kickboxer who now trains in California at Team Alpha Male. He debuted in June 2006 and went on to win his first seven fights earning himself a chance to fight in Japan for the Dream promotion. After defeating Junya Kudo at Dream 5, he brought his unbeaten streak to eight and earned his first WEC opportunity. He won his first two in the organization before dropping his August 2009 WEC 42 bout to Cruz. However, he has won both of his bouts since the loss, defeating Rani Yahya at WEC 45 and Miguel Torres at WEC 47 this past March. Ten of his twelve victories have come by stoppage, three via TKO/KO and seven by submission.
Prediction – Cruz TKO


By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer

[Mr.Kitty]

I thought u said in another thread that u wer based in England? Or am I just presuming that because you said you used bet365?! If u are in England then I hope ur not talking about UFC changing from ESPN to another channel? That would be tragic!
I just watch WEC on a stream through justin.tv or watch the fights the next day on MMA-Core. Here's the Pettis vs Castillo fight...brutal KO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSClPXMgUYo

Dont know where you got that from im from Sweden but I use bet365, its one of the most popular bookmakers for us. Thanks for the MMA-core link, looks like a very good site that will come in handy!
Head-kick KOs are sweet, always reminds me of Cro-Cop.

[Vaughany]

Dont know where you got that from im from Sweden but I use bet365, its one of the most popular bookmakers for us. Thanks for the MMA-core link, looks like a very good site that will come in handy!
Head-kick KOs are sweet, always reminds me of Cro-Cop.

Ha tht makes sense then! I must of been thinking of somebody else on the soccer forum! Yee MMA-Core used to be awesome and had every fight you could think of, but now most of the fights get taken off due to infringment. You can always see them for a couple of days after fights tho before anybody checks and gets them removed.

[sundin4prez]

got benavidez, Jorgensen, roller and Anthony Njokuani

[Vaughany]

got benavidez, Jorgensen, roller and Anthony Njokuani

Nice, but Im not sure about Njokuani, he'll be a heavy favourite at -350 or worse yet his ground game leaves a lot to be desired. The Polish dude he is fighting apparently has KO power and decent submissions, especially heel hooks.

[Vaughany]

Javier Vasquez highlight - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkSay...eature=related

Vasquez vs Pulver (his latest fight) http://squabbles.com/2010/03/jens-pu...l-fight-video/

[Vaughany]

Some good new videos of Shane Roller's training camp with Ken Hahn (Striking Unlimited) and Marc Laimon are on www.Wec.tv. Cant embed or give the link to direct videos but you can easily see them by scrolling through the videos that they have towards the top of the homepage.

[Vaughany]

Helwani VS Dundas: WEC 50 Edition

It's fight week once again, people, and that means it's time for another edition of the oh-so-popular Helwani VS Dundas predictions contest.

Of course, WEC 50, which airs live on Versus this Wednesday, is right around the corner, and with a ton of evenly matched fights on the card, something tells me there won't be a lot of similar picks this time around.

Let's do this.

Dominick Cruz (c) vs. Joseph Benavidez -- WEC Bantamweight Title
AH: I keep changing my mind on this fight. On the one hand, after hearing Benavidez say he slightly overlooked Cruz the first time they fought, it makes me think that a focused Benavidez could definitely snatch away the belt. But then I think back to how good Cruz looked against Benavidez and Brian Bowles, and I just think that his quickness and range will prove to be the difference once again.

Prediction: Cruz via unanimous decision

CD: We’ve been doing way too much agreeing in these head-to-head match-ups lately, so I’m going to respectfully cast a dissenting opinion here. I think Benavidez proves to be enough of a changed fighter here to edge Cruz, either by a close decision or late-round stoppage. Then things will really get interesting as Urijah Faber invades the 135-pound division and we’ll see if the student and teacher are willing to put their friendship aside when the gold is on the line.

Prediction: Benavidez by split decision

Shane Roller vs. Anthony Pettis
AH: Sounds like the winner of this fight will probably earn a title shot against lightweight champion Benson Henderson. WEC officials are very high on Pettis, and they should be. He's an explosive, 23-year-old who is well-versed on his feet and on the ground. But I think Roller, whose only WEC loss came against Henderson in April 2009, is one of the most improved fighters in WEC, and he'll use his All-American wrestling skills as well as underrated boxing tools to control the fight.

Prediction: Roller via 3rd round submission
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CD: Roller probably needs to get this to the mat, before the Duke Roufus-trained youngster gets the chance to let his hands go. MMA has been caught in the throes of a youth-movement as of late, with guys like Jon Jones and Jose Aldo threatening to change the game with their well-rounded skills. Pettis certainly has the potential to be one of those guys, but I think Roller’s wrestling will prove to be too might this time out.

Prediction: Roller via unanimous decision

Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson
AH: The undefeated Mendes is the latest star to come out of Urijah Faber's Team Alpha Male. He made his MMA debut in September 2008, but since then he has won his first seven pro fights in a row, including his first two WEC fights. A win over Mendes would undoubtedly be the biggest of Swanson's career, and while I'm not one who thinks Mendes will steamroll passed Swanson (who's been sparring with the likes of boxing champion Timothy Bradley), I see Mendes winning this fight due to his superior wrestling skills.

Prediction: Mendes via 2nd round TKO

CD: Agreed, can’t pick against Mendes here. Cub Swanson may be improved, but to me he’s a guy who has let down in big spots in the past. I’m thinking this is a big night for Team Alpha male.

Prediction: Mendes 1st round TKO

Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett
AH: Jorgensen felt like it was his turn to fight for the WEC bantamweight title, but he was passed up for Benavidez. He'll have a tough fight on his hands when he faces Pickett, who has won his last nine fights in a row and is 2-0 in WEC. Jorgensen, though, has turned his career around as of late, winning four in a row since losing to Antonio Banuelos in June 2009. I see him continuing that streak at WEC 50.

Prediction: Jorgensen via 2nd round submission

CD: Jorgensen’s all-around game will be too much for Pickett. I think you’ll see the former Boise State Cowboy take this fight to the fence and use his clinch game – complete with dirty boxing and elbows over the top – to wear the Englishman down before dumping him to the canvas and scoring the TKO. You didn’t think I was gonna pick against the kid from Idaho, did you? Nah, we Mountain West folks need to stick together.

Prediction: Jorgensen via 1st round TKO

Bart Palaszewski vs. Zach Micklewright
AH: Speaking of turning one's career around, "Bartimus" has really done so, winning three in a row against the likes of Pettis and Karen Darabedyan. This streak came after Palaszewski lost two in a row in WEC, and was on the verge of getting cut by the organization. Micklewright looked good in defeating Mushin Corbbrey in his WEC debut last December, which helped him improve his record to 7-0. He's never fought a veteran like Palaszewski, and I think Palaszewski grinds out a decision in this one.

Prediction: Palaszewski via split decision

CD: If things go like I’m forecasting, I see a rematch with Pettis in Palaszewski’s future. I think “Bartimus” slips by the under-experienced Micklewright and then has to prove his place in the division with another meeting with the 23-year-old up-and-comer.

Prediction: Palaszewski via UD

Ariel's Undercard Predictions:
Anthony Njokuani def. Maciej Jewtuszko
Javier Vazquez def. Mackens Semerzier
Dave Jansen def. Ricardo Lamas
Bryan Caraway def. Fredson Paixao
Danny Castillo def. Dustin Poirier

Chad’s undercard predictions:
Maciej Jewtuszko def. Anthony Njokuani
Javier Vazquez def. Mackens Semerzier
Ricardo Lamas def. Dave Jansen
Fredson Paixao def. Bryan Caraway
Danny Castillo def. Dustin Poirier

[urge2kill]

2 days out. Hope we can get some more lines up soon.

[Vaughany]

2 days out. Hope we can get some more lines up soon.

Ye cant believe its taking so long for the remaining odds to come out! Booked the day off work on Thursday so hopefully will be able to stream it.

[NOLA42]

Cant wait for these fights, I love the free WEC cards

[urge2kill]

Bodog just posted lines.

[The HOFF]

[The HOFF]

Bodog just posted lines.

Hopefully Bookmaker and 5Dimes put theirs up soon.

[The HOFF]

Vaughany are there any good dogs on the card?

Micklewright and Pickett I think both have decent value as dogs. Opening line on Lamas also has him as the dog.

[Vaughany]

Micklewright and Pickett I think both have decent value as dogs. Opening line on Lamas also has him as the dog.

Yee think Lamas will be my biggest play.

[MonkeyCoR]

Tough card imo.