411’s MMA Roundtable Preview: WEC 36 – Faber vs. Brown

Posted by Larry Csonka on 11.05.2008

After a delay due to Hurricane Season, the WEC finally returns!



WELCOME:
Welcome back kids to another MMA Roundtable Preview! This time we are going to look at tonight's WEC 36 event. The show was scheduled to have TWO title fights, but due to Paulo Filho not making weight, we're down to one. The TV card looks strong, so sit back and relax as the 411 staff breaks down the televised portion of the card!

REMEMBER TO JOIN 411's LIVE COVERAGE, STARTING AT 8pm WEDNESDAY NIGHT!


THE STAFF:

From various show reports that you love, Jonathan Solomon!

From the Greatest MMA Column, Dan Plunkett!

411 ratings Guru Dustin James!

Tapping out with TBERG's Todd Bergman!

Back from the grave, he is John Curry!

Finally, I am your humble editor, I am Larry Csonka!



WEC 36 – Faber vs. Brown

THE TV CARD:
Lightweight Bout - Rob McCullough (16-4) Vs. Donald Cerrone (8-0-1)
Jonathan Solomon: This, like most fights on the card, looks to be a great match-up of fighters. Cerrone is undefeated in his career thus far and has won all of his fights by submission. The Razor McCullough is a veteran of the sport and is looking to work his way to a rematch with reigning WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner for the belt he lost. McCullough is a dangerous striker with tons of KOs and TKOs on his resume. Cerrone will have the height advantage (6'0" to 5'8") so he should be able to avoid any devastating knees or big uppercuts from Razor. Cerrone is one hell of a submission artist and unless Razor knocks him out early, he should be able to take this fight to the ground and do what he does best. With the win, look for Cerrone to take one-step closer to a possible title shot.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, Submission, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: "Razor" Rob is looking to get back to the WEC Lightweight Title, while Cerrone is looking for his first shot at the title. Both fighters are good on their feet, but I think Cerrone has the advantage there. With Cerrone's kickboxing and Muay Thai background, and coming from a great camp (Jackson's) he'll take this fight.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, KO, Round 2

Dustin James: This is a very very interesting fight for a few reasons. In one hand you have former WEC Lightweight Champion "Razor" Rob looking to get back in the title picture, and in the other hand you have up-and-comer Donald Cerrone who is 8-0 with 8 wins via submission. However the big thing here is, McCullough has never been submitted. As a matter of fact McCullough has been fighting since 2001 and has only been finished once, by Jamie Varner this last February. It's my opinion that if this fight hits the ground, McCullough could be in big trouble.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, Submission, Round 3

Todd Bergman: This is a spectacular match up here in the Lightweight Division. McCullough hasn't looked great in '08 so far, but a win here would certainly put him back as the #1 Contender. However, a loss could possibly mean the end of his run in the WEC. His opponent is the always-dangerous "Cowboy" Donald Cerrone. Cerrone is a submission master who will look to finish this fight early considering he hasn't gone past the 2nd round in his entire career. The key in this fight is McCullough's ability to avoid the takedown and use his nasty Muay Thai to neutralize Cerrone's BJJ. While it wouldn't be extremely smart for Cerrone to stand with McCullough, he will need to use head kicks to keep Rob off balance. I think that with the game plan of Greg "Yoda" Jackson, Cerrone lands some decent strikes and then takes the fight to the ground where he finishes off McCullough with an armbar.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, Submission, Round 1

John Curry: The funniest part about this fight is the total lack of confidence that many people seem to have in "Razor" Rob. While it is evident that Cerrone is a master of BJJ and has the potential to end every fight with a submission, Razor himself actually has some skills in the BJJ game. The thing that will set the two apart is the untested stand-up of Cerrone against a crafty veteran in McCullough. Unfortunately for Cerrone, his lack of a stand-up game will ultimately cost him.

Winner: "Razor" Rob McCullough, TKO, Round 2

Larry Csonka: I agree with most that this should be a good fight. Before losing his title to Jamie Varner, good old Razor Rob had stacked up NINE straight victories. He got back on the winning track against Kenneth Alexander at WEC 34, but it was a less than impressive split decision victory. Cerrone has been impressive as his record shows, and at WEC 34 with a quick first round submission. Did I mention he has 8-submission victories? If the WEC 32 or 34 Rob McCullough shows up he is in BIG trouble, unfortunately that's the McCullough I see showing up.

Winner: Donald Cerrone, SUB, RD2

---

Middleweight Bout - Nissen Osterneck (5-0) Vs. Jake Rosholt (4-0)
Jonathan Solomon: Here we go, finally, we get to see the "big league" debut of Mr. Jake Rosholt. If you don't know who he is, don't worry because you soon will. He is a decorated collegiate wrestler (some of his accomplishments include being a 4x All American at Oklahoma State and 3x NCAA Division I Champion). He went into MMA only recently on small shows around the Oklahoma area and has dominated. Few guys can outwrestle him and a win in this middleweight fight should keep him in the UFC once they take the 185 and 205 divisions. Osterneck is another undefeated fighter and has four submissions to his credit. Like Rosholt, Osterneck is making his WEC debut here and both men know the loser likely won't be welcomed into the UFC fold (barring an exciting fight). The wrestlers are coming in a wave it seems and Rosholt is going to be a star.

Winner: Jake Rosholt, TKO, Round 1

Dan Plunkett: Both of these fighters are undefeated, but Jake Rosholt is the one to watch here. Rosholt is a great wrestler that also has good stand up and he has been training at Xtreme Couture. With a win here, we'll see Rosholt in the UFC by early 2009, where he'll become a serious threat in the middleweight division.

Winner: Jake Rosholt, TKO, Round 1

Dustin James: The best part about this fight is that we finally get to see the debut of Jake Rosholt in one of "the big leagues". Can the former NCAA champ live up to the hype and defeat fellow undefeated fighter Osterneck? Both fighters are basically fighting for a contract with the UFC and one would think that they will both "bring it". This should be a great fight.

Winner: Jake Rosholt, TKO, Round 3

Todd Bergman: There really isn't much to this match up. It's basically set up to be a showcase for Jake Rosholt and his dominate wrestling style. Osterneck is unbeaten in his MMA career but doesn't offer much in the way of resistance against Rosholt. Jake should be able to avoid Nissen's loopy strikes and take him down at will. Nissen lasts the 1st only to be stopped early in the 2nd round due to strikes.

Winner: Jake Rosholt, TKO, Round 2

John Curry: As with every MMA event there always seems to be at least one of the classic "Wrestler versus Striker" fights and this will be ours for the night. In the past I have always picked the wrestler over the striker and more often than not have picked wrong. While I think that Rosholt will probably win against the awkward striking of Osterneck, I am going to go against my natural instinct and pick….

Winner: Nissen Osterneck, Decision

Larry Csonka: I have heard nothing but good things about Jake Rosholt, and the world out of Xtreme Couture is that the kid is the real deal. Somebody's "0" must go, and with the backing of extreme Couture and his NCAA background, I thing that Rosholt gets first major victory here.

Winner: Jake Rosholt, STRIKES, RD2

---

Featherweight Bout - Jens Pulver (22-9-1) Vs. Leonard Garcia (15-3)
Jonathan Solomon: Little Evil is back! Fresh off of his heart-filled performance in losing to Urijah Faber via unanimous decision, he's set to take on another former UFC fighter in Leonard Garcia. An interesting sub-plot could be the title implications for Faber's belt. During the summer, Garcia spoke out about the possibility of receiving a shot against Faber if he could defeat Pulver. What ever happened to not over looking your current opponent? In any event, this should be a good fight with two explosive fighters in terms of power. I could see this fight go the distance, or end early with a knockout. Fun fact, Garcia has never been knocked out. As they say, there is a first time for everything.

Winner: Jens Pulver, KO, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: This is going to be a great fight. In his loss to Roger Huerta, Garcia cemented his reputation as an exciting fighter. Pulver is coming off of a decision loss to Urijah Faber, and needs a win to show that he is still a contender for the WEC Featherweight Title. Pulver has the boxing and wrestling advantage, which should be enough to get him the win.

Winner: Jens Pulver, Decision

Dustin James: This has the makings of a potential "Fight of the Night". Garcia is best known for his amazing fight with Roger Huerta at UFC 69, a fight which Garcia lost via unanimous-decision...oh, that and being arrested. Since returning to the WEC, Pulver has reminded people why he can still be considered "dangerous". He defeated Cub Swanson in impressive fashion back at WEC 31, and lost to Urijah Faber via unanimous-decision at WEC 34. Pulver may be 1-3 in his last 4 fights, but I'm still on his bandwagon for the time being.

Winner: Jens Pulver, Decision

Todd Bergman: This match up should be the Fight of the Night. Both fighters should come out throwing caution to the wind. Garcia hasn't been stopped in his career, and I don't think that it will happen on Wednesday night either. Pulver certainly does have dynamite in his hands, but it will be his wrestling ability that will win him this fight. If things get really ugly for "Little Evil" then all he will need to do is take Garcia down. I don't think that Garcia will be able to outbox Pulver but I do think that Jens will use some good ground and pound here on the way to a decision victory.

Winner: Jens Pulver, Decision

John Curry: This is a redemption fight for Pulver and an opportunity for him to prove that he deserves another shot at Faber. If Pulver has found his "warrior spirit" then it will be a quick and easy fight for Pulver. With that said if the same Pulver that showed up against Faber arrives to fight Garcia we will have a long drawn out fight that will be a close one. I am banking on inside information that says Pulver is ready to kill someone.

Winner: Jens Pulver, KO

Larry Csonka: Joy to the world, WEC 36 is here. Let Jens, and Leonard brawl! Jens Pulver is coming off of a loss to Urijah Faber. It was a tremendous fight, and Jens was simply a warrior as he survived the onslaught of Faber to take the decision loss. I think that Little Evil will be looking to show that he still has it, and to show that he is in the way for another possible title shot. Garcia is also down from the UFC to WEC after decision losses to Huerta and Miller. He debuted at WEC 32 with a first round KO victory, and this one has crazy war written all over it. Honestly I don't think that Garcia is getting enough respect from MMA fans because he is facing Pulver. It should be an excellent fight and I will admit, I am coin flipping here.

Winner: Jens Pulver, Decision

---

WEC Middleweight Title Non-Title Middleweight Bout - Paulo Filho (16-0) © Vs. Chael Sonnen (22-9-1)
Filho came in at 192lbs at the weigh-in and the fight was changed to a non-title bout.
Jonathan Solomon: (Best Rock Impersonation) FINALLY...Paulo Filho has come back to the cage. It's been almost a year since he has fought, due to personal issues. He was known for being a dominant fighter and only time will tell if he is still the same fighter he was when he went 16-0. He's Anderson Silva's buddy but don't expect any controversy a la UFC 90. Filho beat Sonnen for the championship in December 2007 by submission. Sonnen has since beaten 'ol Bryan Baker by decision. Filho is the favorite and expected to bounce right over to the UFC (and not fight buddy Silva), so you wonder if the future changes between the WEC/UFC have effected either man. Likely not, but you never know.

Winner: Paulo Filho, Submission, Round 3

Dan Plunkett: Sonnen has been waiting for this rematch for almost a year. In their first fight, Sonnen displayed a perfect game plan against Paulo, but he got caught in a submission and lost in controversy. Sonnen has been training for this rematch forever, every time its about to happen, it doesn't. This time it will finally be happening, but Filho's submissions may be too much for him.

Winner: Paulo Filho, Submission, Round 4

Dustin James: Honestly, I can't see Filho putting on a repeat performance of his WEC 31 win over Sonnen in which Sonnen dominated the majority of the fight. Filho knows that this fight gives him the chance to retire as the last WEC Middleweight Champion and also gives him a contract with the UFC. Filho HAS to be motivated here and should send Sonnen back to being a real estate agent in Oregon. Seriously, the guy has real estate commercials here and flashes his phone number all over the screen. I should call him and just yell "TAP" numerous times into the phone.

Winner: Paulo Filho, Submission, Round 2

Todd Bergman: In their first showdown, Sonnen took Filho into some deep water. Even though he dominated the fight, Sonnen still got caught in an armbar that had him screaming like a little girl. Apparently, that's something Sonnen does best because Babalu did the same thing to him. We will also get our first look a *cough* "drug free" Filho as well, so ultimately, one really doesn't know what he or she is getting with him either. However, I believe that Filho will be extremely motivated in this fight and he will come out landing huge strikes during the 1st round. Sonnen will be completely out of his game come round 2 as Filho takes him down and has him screaming in pain yet again.

Winner: Paulo Filho, Submission, Round 2

John Curry: This fight is really quite simple. One of these guys will be headed to the new UFC/WEC Middleweight division and will receive the herald that comes with it, the other guy will be receive nothing. While both these fighters are great fighters, I really don't see Sonnen being in the same class as Filho. Look for a quick win.

Winner: Paulo Filho, Submission, Round 2

Larry Csonka: I was really looking forward to this fight. As may have mentioned it was on, then off, then on and then off again. And then Tuesday night as I was rounding this out the weigh-in results came in, and Paul Filho weighed in at 192lbs. This is SEVEN POUNDS over his weight. He was able to cut down to 189lbs, and the match was announced as still taking place, but as a NON-TITLE BOUT. The rematch here, one that was anticipated was to be the FINAL WEC Middleweight Title match since the division is being absorbed into the UFC. Most know Filho's issues outside of the cage, and that is understandable, but the fact that he came in at SEVEN POUNDS over the limit is not only disrespectful to Sonnen, but also to the fans of the sport. As I have said, you're a fighter. You job is to train, make weight, piss clean and fight. I will talk more about this after the show. If he came in this overweight, I have a feeling that there could be a lot more to this, and I will go with Sonnen to win due to this.

Winner: Sonnen, Decision

---

WEC Featherweight Title Bout - Urijah Faber (21-1-0) © Vs. Mike Brown (19-4-0)
Jonathan Solomon: The big fight. Faber is back and remains of the most exciting fighters in the sport. You know what you get with The California Kid. He's strong, a great striker, great wrestler and has a great submission game. However, Mike Brown is also one hell of a strong wrestler. Brown also happens to be a powerful puncher and anything can happen in a fight. It will be extremely interesting to see whether or not Faber can outwrestle Brown or whether he tries to stay on his feet and out punch Mike Brown. We saw Faber's vastly improved footwork and head movement in the Pulver fight and he has to have the edge there. Fun fact, all of Brown's four losses have come by way of submission. This will be a fun fight to cap off what should be another quality WEC show.

Winner: Urijah Faber, TKO, Round 2

Dan Plunkett: This is a very interesting fight. Neither fighter has lost in about 3 years, during that time, Faber has become one of the best pound for pound fights in the world, while Brown can become that with a win here. Both fighters have good wrestling, but I think Faber will have the advantage standing up judging by his performance against Jens Pulver. I also think Faber has a submission advantage, but I don't think he'll be submitting Brown, who showed good submission defense against BJJ black belt Jeff Curran.

Winner: Urijah Faber, Decision

Dustin James: I should honestly be pulling for Mike Brown here since he is an Oregon fighter and I almost ALWAYS pick those guys (except Sonnen!). But the guy is fighting the #1 featherweight in the world.....Urijah Faber. Faber should come out all Faber-like and remind people why he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Winner: Urijah Faber, Submission, Round 3

Todd Bergman: With word going around of the "Fighting Faber" reality show in the works, one has to think that Faber is overlooking Brown in this fight. However, this is Urijah Faber we are talking about here. He's deadly anywhere this fight goes, and I don't think that Mike Brown has any skills that could catch Faber off guard in this fight. Faber's great boxing leads to a knockdown followed up by a quick submission victory. Here's hoping that Kid Yamamoto wins the "Fighting Faber" contest so we can finally see that fight.

Winner: Urijah Faber, Submission, Round 1

John Curry: Brown is actually a pretty decent fighter who took legend Jeff Curran the full distance and won out in a controversial fashion. What that says is that there is at least some quality in Brown to be able to hold off a BJJ Black Belt. Faber on the other hand is arguably one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. His ground game is phenomenal and he displayed his stand up game against Pulver, which made him look great. While it is possible for Brown to win this fight, the odds are stacked against him to make it out of the first round.

Winner: Urijah Faber, Submission, Round 1

Larry Csonka: No disrespect to Mike Brown… but I just don't see him ending the Urijah Faber Train of Awesomeness.

Winner: Urijah Faber, RD2, Submission

REMEMBER TO JOIN 411's LIVE COVERAGE, STARTING AT 8pm WEDNESDAY NIGHT!