WEC 36: Faber vs Brown was originally scheduled for this past September, but Hurricane Ike had other ideas and the event was postponed until November. Both the WEC featherweight and middleweight belts are up for grabs on the fight card, although the middleweight belt is a lame duck at this point considering the division will be folded in the UFC in 2009.

Urijah Faber Vs. Mike Brown – While he hasn’t quite reached the level of a Tito Ortiz, Urijah Faber seems to fall squarely into the “Love ‘em or Hate em” category. Some fans love Faber and easily proclaim him the best featherweight in the world, while other fans despise Faber and his bravado and criticize him for not fighting tougher opponents. Either way, there is no denying that Urijah is one of the best, if not the best, featherweight fighters around. Faber’s only career loss came at the hands of UFC lightweight Tyson Griffin back in 2005, and since then he has won 13 straight fights to improve his record to 20-1. Faber has steamrolled most of his opponents in the WEC, except for his recent five-round fight against Jens Pulver. Faber is well-versed in all areas of fighting and can easily stand and strike or work his submission game.

Mike Brown fights out of American Top Team and is no slouch of his own. Holding wins over fighters like Yves Edwards, and Jeff Curran, Brown is a difficult matchup for anyone. Brown’s specialty is definitely his submission game and he will most likely look to work that aspect of the fight early and often. This is a huge fight for Brown as he has never been able to defeat the upper-level fighter with losses to Hermes Franca, Masakazu Imanari, and Genki Sudo. I think Faber’s ground game and take-down defense are strong enough to give Brown troubles and I don’t think Brown has enough to defeat the reigning champ. Winner: Urijah Faber

Paulo Filho Vs. Chael Sonnen – While still undefeated at 16-0, Paulo Filho definitely hasn’t looked like the dominating force he was in PrideFC. Filho last fought nearly a year ago at WEC 31 where he barely squeaked out a submission victory over Chael Sonnen. Filho looked sluggish and was getting handily beaten until he was able to secure the armbar. Since that fight Filho has been out of action dealing with a drug addiction and lack of focus on training.

Chael Sonnen on the other hand has been patiently biding his time waiting for Filho’s return and a rematch. Sonnen has fought once in the interim, defeating Bryan Baker via decision at WEC 33 last March. Sonnen is the stronger wrestler but probably doesn’t have quite the strength advantage that Filho possesses. I’m making my opinion based solely on Filho’s recent appearances and how he fought against Sonnen the first time; Sonnen is hungry and ready and if Filho’s game stays the same Sonnen will emerge the victor this time. Winner: Chael Sonnen

Jens Pulver Vs. Leonard Garcia – Leonard Garcia returns to action for his first fight since February after going through some federal legal issues this summer. Since leaving the UFC lightweight division for the WEC’s featherweight division, Garcia is 1-0 and looks to take the next step to a title shot in this fight against Jens Pulver. Pulver looked good in his WEC debut against Cub Swanson and fought an excellent five-round fight against Urijah Faber at WEC 34. Both Garcia and Pulver’s strength lies in the striking game. Garcia should have a slight reach advantage and but Pulver is definitely a bit crisper and more technical in his striking skills. I think this fight will be close the whole way and go to the judges. Winner: Leonard Garcia

Rob McCullough Vs. Donald Cerrone – “Razor” Rob McCullough is looking to continue working his way back to a title shot for the WEC lightweight belt. After losing the belt to Jamie Varner at WEC 32, McCullough has only fought once in a split decision victory against Kenneth Alexander at WEC 34. McCullough hasn’t looked that great in his last 4 fights and fighting the undefeated Donald Cerrone will be a good matchup for him. Cerrone is 8-0 with 2 wins in the WEC. Look for McCullough to try and slug it out but failing to stop Cerrone’s takedown attempts and being submitted. Winner: Donald Cerrone/usr