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WEC Bantamweight Division Fight
Joseph Benavidez (8-0-0) vs. Danny Martinez (12-2-0)
Joseph Benavidez is entering the WEC after pulling off the biggest victory of his career over Junya Kudo in the finals of the 2008 DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix. Prior to the victory, Joseph Benavidez competed in the Palace Fighting Championships, where he defeated Jason Georgianna and Maurice Eazel. In all eight of Joseph Benavidez’s career fights, none have gone to a decision, which speaks to the fighters finishing abilities. Joseph Benavidez will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with six career victories coming by way of submission. Danny Martinez will also be making his WEC debut in this fight, but has spent time in promotions like Rage In The Cage, TKO, Extreme Challenge and Evolution MMA. Before suffering the first loss of his career to UFC/WEC veteran Mark Hominick at TKO 31, Danny Martinez was on a seven fight undefeated streak. Danny Martinez is a fighter who is comfortable wherever the fight goes, with nine career victories coming by knockout or submission.
My Prediction: Joseph Benavidez
WEC Featherweight Division Fight
Wagney Fabiano (10-1-0) vs. Akitoshi “Ironman” Tamura (12-6-2)
Wagney Fabiano is entering the WEC after a very successful run in the International Fight League, where he went undefeated in the promotion with victories over Ian Loveland, Cam Ward, Erik Owings, John Gunderson, LC Davis and Shad Lierley. Also, early in his career, Wagney Fabiano fought former WEC Featherweight Title top contender Jeff Curran. A victory for the highly touted Wagney Fabiano could quickly put him in top contention for the WEC Featherweight Title. Wagney Fabiano will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with six victories coming by way of submission. In his debut fight for the WEC, Akitoshi Tamura will also be making his North American MMA debut as well. Akitoshi Tamura has primarily been competing in Japan, fighting primarily in the Shooto promotion. Akitoshi Tamura has a common opponent with Wagney Fabiano in Ian Loveland, whom Akitoshi Tamura also holds a victory over. Akitoshi Tamura is known as “iron man” because he is known for attaining most of his victories by decision.
My Prediction: Wagney Fabiano
WEC Bantamweight Division Fight
Brian Bowles (6-0-0) vs. Will Ribeiro (10-1-0)
Brian Bowles is quickly moving up the ladder in the WEC Bantamweight Division, already holding WEC victories over Charlie Valencia, Marcus Galvao and Damacio Page. A fourth straight WEC Bantamweight Division victory for Brian Bowles could make him the top contender to the WEC Bantamweight Title currently held by Miguel Angel Torres. Brian Bowles has yet to have any of his six professional fights go to a decision, which speaks to his finishing abilities. Brian Bowles will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with four career victories coming by submission. Will Ribeiro is currently undefeated in WEC competition, with a victory over Chase Beebe at WEC 34. Early in his MMA career, Will Ribeiro was on a six fight winning streak and is currently riding a four fight winning streak. Before coming to the WEC, Will Ribeiro primarily competed in Brazil in the Shooto Brazil and Top Fighter MMA promotions. Will Ribeiro will be looking to use his striking skills to gain the victory, with five career victories coming by knockout.
My Prediction: Brian Bowles
WEC Bantamweight Title Fight
Miguel Angel Torres *Champion* (34-1-0) vs. Manny “The Mangler” Tapia (10-0-1)
Miguel Angel Torres won the WEC Bantamweight Title by defeating Chase Beebe at WEC 32, then successfully defending it against Yoshihiro Maeda at WEC 34. The only other fight Miguel Angel Torres competed in at that time in the WEC was a victory over Jeff Bedard. Prior to coming to the WEC, Miguel Angel Torres competed in promotions like Finkes Full Contact Challenge, Extreme Shootfighting, Cage Rage, Super Brawl, Absolute Fighting Championships and Total Fighting Challenge. Miguel Angel Torres will be looking to put this fight on the ground, with twenty career victories coming by submission. Manny Tapia earned his way to top contender status in the WEC Bantamweight Division with victories over Brandon Foxworth and Antonio Banuelos. Prior to coming to the WEC at WEC 27, Manny Tapia competed in the King Of The Cage promotion in his first eight career fights. It will be ten months between fights for Manny Tapia, so conditioning could become a factor in this title fight. Manny Tapia is a fighter who is comfortable wherever the fight goes, with six career victories coming by knockout or submission.
My Prediction: Miguel Angel Torres
You can contact David Tees at bigtees360@yahoo.com
