WEC 52 ‘Faber vs. Mizugaki’ Preview

Bantamweights
Joseph Benavidez (No. 3 BW) vs. Wagnney Fabiano (No. 10 BW)

Two high-energy bantamweights meet here, with Benavidez coming off his second loss to WEC champion Dominick Cruz in a title challenge.

Both have excellent grappling and guillotines, with active striking, though Benavidez’s stand-up is probably a little stronger technically. The wrestling advantage goes to Benavidez, as well. However, Fabiano, who was impressive in the International Fight League’s 145-pound division, is a pretty tough nut to crack at 135.

Expect some frenetic exchanges, as both use punches to set up for a takedown. Benavidez excels in scrambles and transitions, while he seems to come up with a new move for every fight that leaves you scratching your head as to how he did it.

It should be a bit of a chessmatch on the ground, with Benavidez a half-beat ahead and increasing the pressure en route to a competitive decision win. The key factor is whether or not Fabiano can neutralize Benavidez’s hands while the Team Alpha Male representative is on top.