WEC 53 Preview: The Main Card

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Donald Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki

This is one of those fights that seems to be a perfect stylistic matchup for one guy and real bad for the other. Everything here breaks Cerrone’s way, as the young slugger Horodecki can’t outwrestle him -- one of Cerrone’s few weak spots -- and gives away three inches in height. Cerrone also has one of the better chins in the game, taking big shots and barely responding to them, both while standing and on his back.

In Horodecki’s defense, he is a 23-year-old readily improving, and more well-rounded than the teenaged guy that burst onto the scene in the International Fight League. His last outing, a split decision win over Ed Ratcliff, showed some maturity and fine-tuning to his game. He’ll need it here, as Cerrone is very tough to discourage standing and better on the mat, as well.

Cerrone will be able to dictate the pace and the exchanges, frustrating Horodecki as the “Cowboy” gets the better of the trades. Cerrone will also be able to use clinches to open up shots and takedowns. Look for Cerrone to get a good sweat going while he picks his spots on the feet before closing the door in the second via submission or ground-and-pound.