Jeff Curran vs Takeya Mizugaki in the works for WEC 42 in August

by Jesse Holland on Apr 24, 2009 12:00 PM EDT

There is a potential bantamweight clash being discussed between former featherweight top contender Jeff Curran (29-11-1) and the man who took 135-pound kingpin Miguel Torres to a five round decision, Takeya Mizugaki (11-3-2), for the WEC 42 event planned for August 2009 according to MMA Fanhouse.

Curran made his bantamweight debut after dropping back-to-back losses in the featherweight division against top dogs Urijah Faber and Mike Thomas Brown.

Unfortunately "The Big Frog" had a very unwelcome reception at 135-pounds from dangerous up-and-comer Joseph Benavidez, who sent the submissions guru to his third straight defeat under the WEC banner after outpointing him for three rounds.

Now he has to turn things around -- and fast -- if he ever wants that shot at bantamweight deity Miguel Torres. Standing in his way is the Japanese import who both surprised and impressed fans with his gritty performance against one of the worlds best.

Priot to his decision loss to Torres, Mizugaki (11-3-2) was riding a five-fight win streak under the Greatest Common Multiple banner over in the land of the rising sun. He’s also a 10-fight veteran of the Shooto promotion, which has also been a breeding ground for other top mixed martial artists such as Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto, Shinya Aoki, Anderson Silva, Tatsuya Kawajiri and others.

Mizugaki may not have been able to blow a tire on the Torres war wagon, but his powerful striking and adamantium chin kept fans on the edge of their seats for 25 minutes.

WEC 42 is expected to feature Miguel Torres in the main event, defending his bantamweight title for the fourth time against undefeated "Hard Core" product Brian Bowles this August.

Keep it locked in to MMAmania.com for more on this developing fight card.

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Comments

Mizugaki by decision.

by Space on Apr 24, 2009 12:24 PM EDT reply actions

YEAH, I have to agree. Curran is tough and very difficult to finish. I think he will be able to last until the final bell, but I dont see him having much success. I wonder what the odds for this fight will be? Who will be the favorite? i can see Mizu being the favorite after his gutsy performance against Torres, but I can also see Curran being the favorite because he is much more popular in the USA then Mizu is.

anyone got any predictions on the odds, or at least who the favorite will be?

Should be a good fight!

by john on Apr 25, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Adamantium chin? Is that a comic book reference, Jesse? LOL

by OJR on Apr 24, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

i loved it

by Andrew on Apr 24, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

curran sub 1st-early 2nd

by mmdid44 on Apr 24, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions

SIKE!!!! Japanese guys are very hard to submit!

by john on Apr 25, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Being from chicago, I feel like I should root for Curran. But I just dont think he will pull this one out. I was at the last WEC in Chicago and Takeya Mizugaki looked real good against Torres and Curran look bad against Beinivedez (misspelled)

With that said I say F Bowles and put Beinivedez in for the title shot against Torres

by robbyc on Apr 24, 2009 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

What part of Chicago you from?

by OJR on Apr 24, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Southside

by robbyc on Apr 24, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Also Mizugaki had a knee injury coming into that fight. He usually throws lots of kicks if you’ve ever seen him in Cage force etc but only used his hands. He gets the UD i think, the frog is gritty enough to last until the last bell.

by NameNotRequired on Apr 24, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions