WEC 53 Preview: The Main Card

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Jamie Varner vs. Shane Roller

This is a tough, pick-‘em type of showdown, as both Varner and Roller have shown flashes of impressive ability. Varner’s combination of technical, powerful striking and good wrestling make him a tough opponent for anyone to deal with. Roller, a three-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State, has shown improved standup over the course of his transition to MMA.

Varner’s striking is the edge here, and the way he applies it in select spots will be crucial to the outcome. Roller tends to wing punches from outside, as much to close the gap and force clinches as to stun opponents. He has fairly heavy hands, however, and is calm on his back, unlike many top-level wrestlers in MMA. Varner will have to pick his openings carefully, mix in kicks, and keep moving to deny Roller tie-ups and a chest-to-chest clinch battle.

The pick here is Varner in a tough decision battle, one where he displays his conditioning and ability to keep popping back up while landing effective counters. It will be a good fight no matter where it goes, but Varner, while seemingly hot-and-cold at times, can be one heck of a fighter when he’s at his best.