As expected Urijah Faber (23-4 MMA, 8-3 WEC) makes his bantamweight debut and meets former title challenger Takeya Mizugaki (13-4-2 MMA, 2-2 WEC) in the headliner of November's WEC 52 event. WEC General Manager Reed Harris today confirmed the long-rumored bout during a media conference call.
As Harris told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) in August, the bout initially was slated for WEC 50, but Mizugaki said he'd rather wait for Faber's knee recovery than take another opponent.
WEC 52 takes place Nov. 11 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The night's main card airs on Versus.
Harris said tickets go on sale later this week.
Faber, who reigned as the WEC's 145-pound champ and emerged as the organization's biggest star during a 13-fight win streak from 2005 to 2008, since has gone 2-3 in his past five fights. He lost his belt to Mike Brown at WEC 36, dropped a rematch at WEC 41 after Brown lost the belt, and after getting another shot at the title, suffered a decision loss to now-champ Jose Aldo at WEC 48 in April. Mixed in with the losses were submissions wins over Jens Pulver and Raphael Assuncao.
After the WEC's recent ratings slide, Faber, who undoubtedly is the organization's top draw, should provide a much-needed boost.
Mizugaki, who lost a decision to then-champ Miguel Torres when he made his WEC debut in 2009, is 2-1 since the defeat. He's sandwiched decision victories over Jeff Curran and most recently Rani Yahya around a decision defeat to Scott Jorgensen.
For the latest on WEC 52, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Takeya Mizugaki)
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