World Extreme Cagefighting returns once again to Las Vegas this Wednesday with another live show on the Versus Network. The fight card for WEC 33 has undergone many changes over the past few weeks, but the full lineup is now set and the main event will feature a light heavyweight title fight between current WEC Champion Doug Marshall and undefeated challenger Brian Stann.
Doug Marshall Vs. Brian Stann - Brian Stann has been a favorite of the WEC since he joined the promotion in June of 2006. In five professional fights, Stann has not allowed his opponent out of the first round. When the WEC signed on with the Versus network, Stann’s military background made him a natural fighter to promote in this time of war. Stann has a powerful standup game and very little to offer on the ground. His striking style is not that technical but has improved somewhat over his last 2 fights. He may not need technical striking however, fighting a guy like Doug Marshal.
Marshall is another standup fighter who loves to throw as many heavy punches as he can in as short amount of time as possible. Marshall himself has only had a fight go past the first round twice, and both those fights ended within the first minute of the second round. Marshall does know how to throw on a submission if the opportunity presents itself, but I expect both these guys to stand and trade blows until the other one falls. While I said Stann was not a technical striker, I don’t think Doug Marshall is either.
I think the timing is right and the momentum is on Brian Stann’s side in this fight and we will see a new 205 lb. champion in the WEC. Winner: Brian Stann
Chael Sonnen Vs. Bryan Baker - Chael Sonned was originally scheduled to rematch current WEC Middleweight Champion Paulo Filho, but Filho withdrew from the fight in the past two weeks due to checking himself into rehabilitation. Sonnen last fought in December against Filho were he lost in controversial fashion. Sonnen was controlling much of the fight, but was submitted via armbar when the referee says he verbally tapped out. Sonned says he didn’t submit and was looking forward to the rematch.
That will have to wait as Bryan Baker (who was originally scheduled to fight Logan Clark) has stepped up to face Sonnen. Baker had an excellent “rookie year” in 2007 winning all four of his fights. I think Sonnen is much too experienced fight for Baker to face at this stage of his career. Look for Sonnen to use his superior wrestling skills and experience to gain an easy victory over Baker. Winner: Chael Sonnen
Steve Cantwell Vs. Tim McKenzie - Tim McKenzie is one of the two fighters who hold a victory over light heavyweight champion Doug Marshall. McKenzie also has greater experience including fights against Akihiro Gono, Chael Sonnen, and Scott Smith. The “Wrecking Machine” McKenzie will most likely look to keep the fight standing and use his striking skills. Steve Cantwell is still a relative newcomer to MMA with a record of 4-1, two wins via strikes and two wins via submission. This fight is tough to call, but I give the edge to McKenzie for the strength of his experience and striking game. Winner: Tim McKenzie
Ed Ratcliff Vs. Marcus Hicks - Winner: Marcus Hicks
Hiromitsu Miura Vs. Blas Avena - Winner: Blas Avena
John Alessio Vs. Brock Larson - Winner: Brock Larson
Sergio Gomez Vs. Richard Crunkilton Jr. - Winner: Richard Crunkilton
Ryan Stonitsch Vs. Alex Serdyukov - Winner: Ryan Stonitsch
Chris Manuel Vs. Kenji Osawa - Winner: Kenji Osawa
Logan Clark Vs. Scott Harper - Winner: Logan Clark
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I got to go with Stann also. Marshall is pretty much just a brawler but has added some submissions to his credit. I’m surprised that the Larson vs Alessio fight is on the undercard. They are two of the better known fighters in the WEC. Maybe their trying to showcase some of their other talent. Should be a good night of fights. I’m looking forward to it.
i disagree with all you fellas… marshall takin it…. what kinda drug is filho hooked on ne way …ne one know?
cocaine
lol what a shitbag…. o well we all have our demons
so whos watching Frank Shamrock vs. Cung Le this weekend? im not sure if this fight is the most relevant as far as finding the best middle weight in the world, but it should be entertaining at least.
going to have to call and add Showtime for the weekend to see this card.
I think the Le - Shammy fight will be good and I wanna see Frank go down hard!
ya think Frank is gonna get dropped? im picking Frank to win just because he to much of a vet for Cung IMO, but im really hoping Le will punch Franks head right off his shoulders.
you know im with Frankie guys hehe..
sorry boys but i gotta give this one to frank again
I’ll be watching the card also. Frank thinks he’s the best in the world but has yet to prove it. I hope Le can catch him on the feet and put him away but I think Frank will take him down and submit him.
Iron Ring Rating
MMAPayout.com has learned that Iron Ring was the fourth highest rated series premiere in BET history. Despite an 11:00PM post prime time slot, the program posted a 20% increase in viewers over its lead-in. As a result, BET has moved the series to 10:30PM starting with tonight’s episode. The series will now follow BET’s highest rated series, College Hill.
Tonight’s half hour episode features three fights.
who watched Iron Ring tonight? 30 min show, 3 fights, cant go wrong with that man hehe.
yeah i saw the show tonight and i dont know how i feel about it just yet. there was so much whispering and quick cut camera work i was getting lost in what was going on outside the fights (didnt help my 2 year old running around yelling about “ma car, ma car” lol) the fights were amateur looking, but what ever you cant ask for much more in a tv show. i did get a good laugh outta Krazy Horse telling everyone from his coaching team he could knock them out lol. and no one could ever say Maywether doesnt have an ego “when ever anyone brings up fighting whos name comes up first?…Maywether.” come on man get over your self even if someone brought up boxing it self im sure Ali or Tyson comes up before Maywether.
Ya RJ, the fights are definately amateurish, i think they will get better as the season goes on. Theyre still in the process of picking fighters and weeding out the lemons.