WECWorld Extreme Cagefighting is an American mixed martial arts promotion. It is the sister promotion to the UFC, both owned and produced by ZUFFA, with a focus on lighter weight classes and talent building for the UFC. As with its older and much larger sibling, the WEC uses the same rules as the UFC, but it holds its fights in a smaller octagonal cage.
MCCULLOUGH TO DEFEND WEC BELT IN FEBRUARY
Friday, November 23, 2007 - by Tom Hamlin - MMAWeekly.com
"Razor" Rob McCullough will next defend his World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight title in early February against Jamie Varner, sources from both camps have confirmed to MMAWeekly.com.
McCullough won the belt by defeating Kit Cope at the WEC's first show under Zuffa control in January. He defended the title for the first time this September with a win over Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Rich Crunkilton. His first round TKO silenced critics who thought he would struggle with the tough veteran.
Varner fights out of Arizona Combat Sports in Phoenix. A two-time UFC veteran, he is best known for his back-and-forth battle with Hermes Franca. Since then, he defeated Jason Gilliam at UFC 68 and made the jump to the WEC in August with a win over Sherron Leggett.
"I think it's going to be an interesting fight," McCullough told MMAWeekly.com. "He definitely has the skills to negate my skills, and therefore so do I. I think it's going to be a great fight for the first couple of rounds, and then hopefully he's packed a sleeping bag."
McCullough just returned from the Baja 1000, an off-road racing event that spans the Baja California Peninsula. He had expected to fight Alex Karalexis in November, but was unconcerned when his opponent was changed to Varner.
"I think he's a younger version of Rich (Crunkilton)," McCullough continued. "I don't think his submission game is anywhere near Rich's, but he's definitely got a quick shot, and he changes levels fast. I think his gas tank is going to be questionable."
Champion or not, he is still anxious to prove himself as a serious competitor.
"Nowadays, it's not a matter of 'hey, I want to fight,' it's a matter of who you fight," he said. "Because I could sit around and beat up scrubs all day long, but that's not going to give me any joy, as long as I'm taking (fighting) for real. Hopefully, they keep (giving me) guys they think are going to beat me, because it makes my training that much better. Gives me a reason to pop out of bed in the morning."
Sounds like it should be a great fight. I see McCullough taking this one, but I think it will last longer than the Crunkilton fight did.
Im sure hell be diving at Rob's feet within seconds of the opening bell. I certaintly would. Varner is no joke on the ground though and if he can get it there Razor could be in for a hurting.
Im sure hell be diving at Rob's feet within seconds of the opening bell. I certaintly would. Varner is no joke on the ground though and if he can get it there Razor could be in for a hurting.
Granted. That wouldn't surprise me, and would be Varner's best chance at the victory....but we thought Crunk was going to take it down, and look what he did. Hopefully Varner sticks to the gameplan, after he gets tagged (and yes, he'll be tagged before the first takedown)....cause if he becomes stubborn like he did in his bout with Hermes, uh oh.
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I'm calling it now Jamie Varner takes this. I see him taking Rob down and pounding him out or submitting him. Unlike Crunkleton's dumb self who wanted to stand and bang with Rob. Varner won't do that.
Wow, I don't think that picture can look anymore gay, but anyways, I'll hold off on making my choice right now, because I like both fighters and need to do a lot of thought for it.
I see Varner taking this to the ground and taking it, unless he comes in even more crunked up than Crunk was (yeah, that was awful... its 4am and I can't sleep so give me a break).
"Razor" Rob to Defend WEC Belt in February
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