WEC 43: Wagnney Fabiano vs Erik Koch in the works for Sept. 2

A featherweight match between former International Fight League (IFL) champion Wagnney Fabiano (12-1) and undefeated prospect Erik Koch (7-0) has been added to the WEC 43 card, which is scheduled to go down at the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio on September 2 according to Tatame.com.

Fabiano is currently enjoying a five-fight winning streak, including two straight under the WEC banner against Akitoshi Tamura (submission) and Fredson Paixao (decision). During his time with the IFL he held notable wins over John Gunderson and L.C. Davis (both by submission), and he also has a highlight reel knockout over Bao Quach to his credit from earlier in his career.

The lone loss on the Brazilian jiu jitsu artist's record came by split decision at the hands of Jeff Curran back in October of 2006. Since then, six of his eight victims have tasted defeat by way of tapout.

Koch also brings an impressive submission game to the cage. He has made a name for himself fighting in the state of Iowa by forcing five of his seven opponents to tapout as well. He holds notable wins over a few very dangerous, albeit lesser known fighters such as TJ O'Brien (10-3), Eric Wisely (8-1) and Joe Pearson (30-13-1).

Making the move to the WEC will be a big step up in competition for the midwest fighter that should earn him some of the recognition he deserves.

With two talented Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners such as these, one would expect to see a lot of ground work in this fight, but Fabiano says not to count on anything for September 2.

Here's a snip from an interview with Tatame:

"People were thinking that the fight between me and Frédson (Paixao) would go to the ground, but it was all on top. We have to feel the fight to see how it will be."

The headliner for WEC 43 will be an interim lightweight title bout featuring Greg Jackson pupil Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and fast rising WEC stud Ben "Smooth" Henderson.

For more on the developing fight card click here.