Faber on Rafael Assunção's back. Photo: Josh Hedges.

In the featherweight division where he once reigned supreme, Urijah Faber defeated some of the division’s biggest names. From Jeff Curran to Jens Pulver, the American held the title for two years, and now he arrives in the bantamweight division in pursuit of his second world title. To start off a new reign, “The California Kid” faces one of the division’s most talented fighters, Japanese sensation Takeya Mizugaki.

“I’m excited to be in a new division and test myself against the best in the world,” said Faber. “Mizugaki really is tough, but I’m ready to get back to work to become champion again,” said the thirty-three-year-old fighter.

The Japanese star upped his stock last year in a five-round battle with then-champion Miguel Angel Torres. Since then the twenty-six-year-old became one of the most feared bantamweights in the world. Having beaten Rani Yahya in his last outing, in April, Mizugaki (13-4-2) is keen to give Faber a rude welcome to the under-135 weight class.

“I’ve never backed down from a tough fight, that’s why I’m excited about fighting Urijah,” remarked the Japanese fighter. “His first fight in the division won’t be easy. All I’m thinking about is beating him come November 11,” he said in finishing.

And the WEC card is made all the more enticing with the other matchups to feature on the main card to be broadcast live from Las Vegas. Featherweights Chad Mendes and Javier Vazquez collide in a can’t missed fight, while former title challenger Joseph Benavidez squares off with Jiu-Jitsu black belt Wagnney Fabiano.

Check out the card:

WEC
Las Vegas, USA
November 11, 2010

Urijah Faber vs. Takeya Mizugaki

Joseph Benavidez vs. Wagnney Fabiano

Chade Mendes vs. Javier Vazquez

Eric Koch vs. Franciso Rivera

Damacio Page vs. Demetrious Johnson

Raphael Assunção vs. LC Davis

Anthony Njokuani vs. Edward Faaloloto

Zack Micklewright vs. Dustin Poirier

Clint Godfrey vs. Michael McDonald

Cub Swanson vs. Mackens Semerzier

Yves Jabouin vs. Brandon Visher

Jamie Varner looking to bounce back from defeat. Photo: Josh Hedges

World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) is set to make its Canada debut this Sunday the 20^th at Rexall Place in Alberta. The card boasts top talent, like former lightweight champion Jamie Varner, who hopes to get back on the winning track, against the powerful Kamal Shalorus in the main event. The preliminary card features outstanding featherweight John Grispi taking on hard-hitting LC Davis in a fight where the winner will be one step closer to a showdown with current divisional title holder José Aldo.

Jamie Varner (16-3-2) is coming off a loss to Ben Henderson, when he lost his title. His motivation comes from a desire to again take his place at the top of the WEC pecking order.

“I’m focused on strength and conditioning. Kamal is the toughest opponent I’ve ever heard of,” he says.

Kamal Shalorus (6-0-1) is new to the WEC, with two fights and two wins on his CV. “Jamie is a great fighter and I’m more than ready to fight him,” remarked the rookie.

In another of the evening’s marquee fights, Josh Grispi (13-1) faces off with LC Davis (16-1). Both are undefeated in the WEC with three fights apiece. While Davis has won all his via decision after three rounds, Grispi has won all his by submission in the first .

“LC Davis has excellent technique and is a south paw, which is good for me. But he’s dangerous; I’m really anxious about to get in there,” said Grispi.

“Josh Grispi is a young, aggressive opponent who is tall for the division,” said Davis.

Jamie Varner tenta se recuperar da derrota. Foto:Josh Hedges

O World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) estreia no Canadá neste domingo, dia 20, e o assinante do Combate confere ao vivo a partir das 22h, somente no canal a la carte da Globosat especializado em lutas. O Rexall Place, em Alberta, receberá um card de peso, com o ex-campeão mundial da categoria peso leve (até 70kg) Jamie Varner recomeçando sua trajetória para uma nova conquista mundial contra o poderoso Kamal Shalorus no evento principal. Nas lutas preliminares, o peso pena (até 66kg) Josh Grispi batalha com LC Davis em uma luta que deixará o vencedor um passo adiante na disputa do título, atualmente com o brasileiro José Aldo. 

Jamie Varner (16-3-2) vem de uma derrota para Ben Henderson, ocasião em que perdeu o título. Ele está motivado em ser novamente campeão do mundo. 

“Estou focado na minha força e condicionamento. Kamal é o adversário mais duro que já ouvi falar”, disse. 

Kamal Shalorus (6-0-1) é novo no WEC, com duas lutas no currículo e ambas com vitória. “Jamie é um grande lutador e estou mais do que pronto para lutar com ele”, afirmou o novato. 

Em outro grande confronto da noite, Josh Grispi (13-1) tem pela frente LC Davis (16-2). Ambos são invictos no WEC, com três lutas cada. Enquanto Davis terminou todas por decisão ao final dos três rounds, Grispi finalizou todas no primeiro round. 

“LC Davis tem uma excelente técnica e é canhoto, o que é muito bom para mim. Mas ele é um cara perigoso, estou ansioso pela competição”, disse Grispi. 

“Josh Grispi é um lutador jovem, agressivo e alto para a categoria”, falou Davis.

Diego Nunes in action. Photo: Josh Hedges

Coming off the first loss of his career, when he dropped a judges’ decision to LC Davis in November 2009, the promising Diego Nunes faces former UFC fighter Leonard Garcia. The bout is set to take place at WEC 47 on March 6, in Ohio.

Up until the first setback of his career, in his last appearance, Nunes, an Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira student, overcame 13 opponents. Garcia, who has the same number of wins, but has five losses, too, is also coming off a negative result.

On the same night Brian Bowles defends his bantamweight belt against Dominick Cruz. Former divisional champion Miguel Torres will also see action against Joseph Benavidez. In the preliminaries, Jiu-Jitsu world champion Fredson Paixão faces Bryan Caraway.

Checkout the card:

WEC 47
March 6, 2010
Ohio, USA

Brian Bowles vs Dominick Cruz
Joseph Benavidez vs Miguel Torres
Jens Pulver vs Javier Vazquez
LC Davis vs Deividas Taurosevicius
Karen Darabedyan vs Bart Palaszewski
Chad George vs Scott Jorgensen
Erik Koch vs Chad Mendes
Danny Castillo vs Anthony Pettis
Leonard Garcia vs Diego Nunes
Bendy Casimir vs Ricardo Lamas
Bryan Caraway vs Fredson Paixão