WEC 39 Breakdown: The Undercard

Marcos Galvao vs. Damacio Page

Power Ratings

Galvao
Striking : 1.5
Grappling : 4.0
Submissions : 2.5
Experience : 3.0
Total : 2.8

Page
Striking : 3.0
Grappling : 2.5
Submissions : 2.0
Experience : 2.5
Total : 2.5

Analysis: Ranked second in the world in Shooto, Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Galvao (6-2-1) now looks to duplicate the success he enjoyed in the Land of the Rising Sun when he makes his second attempt at winning a professional bout in the United States. The master grappler was upset by the then little-known American Brian Bowles by second-round knockout in December 2007. “Louro” has defeated BJJ stalwart Fredson Paixao, as well as WEC bantamweight Kenji Osawa, among others.

Page (10-4) fights out of arguably the strongest camp in the world right now -- Jackson’s Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, N.M. The 26-year-old striker has already fought in Canada and Japan during the course of his four-year career. His most significant bout so far came on New Year’s Eve in 2006 when he received the chance to take on the popular Genki Sudo at the Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan. Even though Page lost the scrap, it provided invaluable experience for the young fighter.

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Prediction: “Louro” suffers from the same circumstances as his compatriot Ricardo Arona and UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami -- his fighting style is too top-heavy and designed around controlling opponents and avoiding damage. While that’s a thorn in the side of a promoter looking for exciting fights, Galvao’s also extremely good at fighting his style. Another decision victory seems likely in his bout with Page.