WEC: Next event to feature two title fights on March 26

by Robert Moore on Feb 15, 2008 11:52 PM EST

filho sonnen
During Wednesday's WEC "Condit vs. Prater" televised fight card, it was confirmed during the broadcast that two title bouts would headline the next event on March 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

WEC 33 will feature the much anticipated rematch between undefeated middleweight kingpin, Paulo Filho (16-0), and Team Quest's Chael Sonnen (19-9-1). The other championship match up has "The Rhino" Doug Marshall (7-2) putting his WEC light heavyweight title on the line against undefeated Brian Stann (5-0).

The immediate rematch between Pride FC vet Filho and collegiate wrestling powerhouse Sonnen should be a dandy. Sonnen pressed the action in the first bout against a lethargic–looking Filho before being caught in an armbar at the end of the second round.

Sonnen claims he never submitted but the ref stopped the bout based on a loud scream when Filho twisted his arm like a pretzel. Sonnen was visibly upset after the bout. And with the controversy over that stoppage, the WEC quickly scheduled the rematch.

Filho will look to redeem himself from his bad performance while Sonnen will have even more confidence coming into the second bout. This bout is certainly worthy of the headlining slot.

Don't blink during the WEC 205-pound title match between champ Doug Marshall and challenger Brian Stann.

This one could end in a hurry as both fighters are known for their punching power and look to get their opponents out of the cage as soon as possible. In fact, Stann has yet to have a fight reach the second round as he's finished all of his opponents in the first stanzas via knockout.

However, Marshall showed a more well-rounded game in his last title defense. The Rhino submitted Ariel Gandulla with an armbar in his first round victory. We'll see if Marshall continues his evolution into a multi-faceted fighter or if he'll fall victim to the punching power of Stann.

WEC 33 will be broadcast live on Versus Network at 9 p.m. ET. Look for more details concerning the preliminary bouts in the weeks to come.

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Id like to see Filho in the UFC soon.

by c-war on Feb 16, 2008 12:04 AM EST reply actions

Hopefully this Sonnen/Filho rematch puts all of the controversy to rest.

I was inpressed with Sonnen’s fight in December. This is going to be the test for him though. Paulo needs a 1 in the “L” column. Hopefully Sonnen is the one to put it there.

by Judoka on Feb 16, 2008 1:17 AM EST reply actions

I didn’t think there was much controversy. That fight was over. Filho had the arm locked in solidly.

by IceMuncher on Feb 16, 2008 1:19 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know much about Sonnen, but so far, I’m not a big fan. Especially his comments on politics and so forth (bodog season 1). Keep all that stuff out of the sport! I hope this time Filho can beat him decisivly.

by Oddchild on Feb 16, 2008 1:31 AM EST reply actions

I’m glad the WEC is doing a championship rematch between Filho and Sonnen. It definitely would put the controversy of the first encounter behind whomever would be victorious. I think this gives Filho a second chance really. I don’t think Filho expected as much from Sonnen and was definitely taken aback in the first fight. I believe this would give Filho somewhat an advantage and take Sonnen very seriously this go around. Looking forward to watching this fight. As far as the Light Heavyweight title contest, I am not too sure what to think about this one. I have seen a couple of Stann’s fights and think he’s a good fighter, however I don’t really think he’s deserving of a title shot yet. But then again, it is the WEC so perhaps he deserves it. Don’t get me wrong, I think the WEC is great for lightweights, featherweights, bantamweights, etc. However they aren’t exactly deep in the talent pool when it comes to Light Heavyweights and Heavyweights. Still, I think it should be a good fight.

by NanShoBudo on Feb 16, 2008 2:13 AM EST reply actions

Pulver V Faber??? soon i hope or ufc get a smaller division id watch it

by DCSOLDIER187 on Feb 16, 2008 3:42 AM EST reply actions

I like the way that the WEC puts together matches, quite often they will cherry pick a solid fighter from overseas or another organization to draft in for their big fights. This is an effective approach as it eliminates the need to “build up” fighters.

As for Filho… He really hasn’t looked impressive yet, and with all this talk of it being his last fight at 185 before he moves up to Light Heavyweight, he seems to be at a bit of a loose end. I personally think that he is too small (height wise) for 205 and should stick to his current devision. If he can get his s**t sorted out we should see him back on track dominating opponents and being exciting. In the UFC Filho would be a solid contender at Middleweight, but at 205 he would get owned by most of the top 10.

The WEC 205 bout between Marshall and Stann should be exciting, although both fighters are fairly rudimentary. Marshall is probably more skillful and I would like to see him beating Stann convincingly.

by Oskarbravo on Feb 16, 2008 7:17 AM EST reply actions

was Joe Riggs gonna face Jason Miller in this one?

by Josh on Feb 16, 2008 11:08 AM EST reply actions

I wanted stann and marshall to fight for so long now!

by belfort_fan on Feb 16, 2008 12:37 PM EST reply actions

Paulo Filho should be in the UFC I think. With a record like 16-0 I’m sure he wouldn’t mind fighting the better fighters to prove he deserves nothing in the L column.

by Toms Bombs on Feb 16, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply actions

I didn’t think there was much controversy. That fight was over. Filho had the arm locked in solidly.

There was less than 5 seconds left in the round when the referee stopped it. Just because one fighter locks in a sub doesn’t automatically end the fight. The other guy has to either tap or pass out. Sonnen did neither. It was a bad stopppage in a fight that Sonnen was easily winning to that point.

by PW on Feb 16, 2008 1:12 PM EST reply actions