WEC 45 Preview and Predictions

December 19, 2009 | Tim | Comments 0

wec45

WEC 45 will go head-to-head with Strikeforce: Evolution and will provide solid entertainment that should match their rival’s event. Here’s my preview for WEC 45:

Takeya Mizugaki vs. Scott Jorgensen: Mizugaki made his WEC debut at WEC 40, filling in for Brian Bowles to face Miguel Torres. Mizugaki performed well, losing a decision in an entertaining fight. He returned to the cage to fight Jeff Curran at WEC 42, where he won a split-decision. He’ll look to win his second in a row against Jorgensen. Jorgensen is 7-3 in his MMA career, and has a 3-2 WEC record. He has a very solid collegiate wrestling background. I’d give Jorgensen the slight wrestling edge in this one, but Mizugaki’s takedown defense is strong. I expect their wrestling to cancel each other out, resulting in this fight remaining standing. I think Mizugaki, as shown in his fight with Torres, will have the advantage in the striking department. This fight should have plenty of fireworks, but I think Mizugaki will prevail. Mizugaki via unanimous decision.

Joseph Benavidez vs. Rani Yahya: Benavidez’s run to the top of the WEC’s bantamweight division was slowed by losing a unanimous decision to Dominick Cruz at WEC 42. The loss was the first of Benavidez’s career in 11 professional fights. He fights with Team Alpha Male alongside Urijah Faber. Much like Faber, Benavidez has some unorthodox striking to go along with a wrestling base. Yahya is 15-4 in his MMA career, and has three consecutive wins in the WEC. He is one of the better Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters in all of MMA, but the rest of his game isn’t as polished. Benavidez’s best chance is to keep this fight standing, as Yahya will have a significant edge on the ground, especially from the top position. I think Benavidez can fend off Yahya’s submissions for awhile, but he will eventually get caught. Yahya via submission in the 2nd.

Anthony Njokuani vs. Chris Horodecki: Horodecki will be making his WEC debut after amassing a 13-1 record in the IFL and smaller promotions. Horodecki trains with Xtreme Couture, and is known for his striking, though his success has come from lower competition. He will be giving up a huge reach advantage to Njokuani, which could mean disaster for him. Njokuani is 11-2 in his MMA career, and is coming off two straight wins in the WEC. He uses his reach advantage over opponents pretty well. Neither fighter is much of a threat on the ground. I see every advantage going to Njokuani in this fight. He has the reach advantage and the power advantage, and doesn’t have to worry about defending takedowns. Njokuani via TKO in the 2nd.

Donald Cerrone vs. Ed Ratcliff: In the main event of WEC 45, Cerrone will be looking to get back in the winner’s column after a close loss to Ben Henderson at WEC 43. He’s 10-2-0-1 in his MMA career, with the two losses coming to Jamie Varner and Ben Henderson, two very close fights. Cerrone is tall for the lightweight class, and uses the reach advantage very well. His submission game is dangerous as well. Ratcliff is 7-1 in his MMA career, and has a 3-1 WEC record. He has made a name for himself with his exciting striking that comes from a Karate background. However, his defense isn’t always up to par and sometimes finds himself on the wrong end of striking exchanges because of it. On the ground, Cerrone should hold the advantage. I think Cerrone should take this one rather easily, getting him back on track for a shot at rematches with Varner and Henderson. Cerrone via submission in the 2nd.

Preliminary Card Predictions:

Jameel Massouh over Erik Koch via TKO in the 2nd

Brad Pickett over Kyle Dietz via decision

John Hosman over Chad George via decision

Muhsin Corbbrey over Zachary Micklewright via TKO in the 2nd

Anthony Pettis over Bart Palaszewski via decision

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