Aldo and Gamburyan stare down at weigh-ins. Photo: Josh Hedges
Manny Gamburyan is the challenger to José Aldo’s featherweight throne at tonight’s WEC show high above sea level in Colorado. Coming off a stunning knockout win over former champion Mike Brown, Gamburyan vows to rain on the Brazilian’s parade and return home with the divisional belt strapped to his waist.
“In my last fight I faced a former WEC champion, a great fighter. I put my game plan to practice and won. I’ll probably do the same thing against José Aldo. Anyone can be stopped. I feel he’s a great fighter and I respect him as champion, but I fight to destroy. It’s my time. I have to shine,” he forewarns.
Aldo comes into the title defense riding a ten-fight win streak, seven in the WEC, six by way of knockout. How can he be stopped?
“He probably has some holes in his game and I’m working on that. At the end of the day, we’re all human and the stronger won will win. I’m in great shape; I did the best preparations of my career. I’m ready to shock the world,” he announces.
Confident, Aldo wants his opponent to come after him. The champion knows what to watch out for.
“Manny needs to be aggressive because I’m going to be really aggressive, and it will be a great fight for the fans to watch. I have to watch out Manny’s wrestling, judo and heavy hand.”
Aldo’s preparations were carried out with attention to the slightest of details. The Jiu-Jitsu black belt and muay thai specialist was wary of the high altitude of Colorado.
“I’ve never fought at high altitude before, but I’m confident I’ll be fine. My training went great. I feel I did everything I needed to,” he says in closing.
Check back with GRACIEMAG.com for coverage of the WEC. Check out the card:
WEC 51
Broomfield, Colorado, USA
September 30, 2010
José Aldo vs. Manny Gamburyan
Donald Cerrone vs. Jamie Varner
Miguel Torres vs. Charlie Valencia
Chan Sung Jung vs. George Roop
Leonard Garcia vs. Mark Hominick
Pablo Garza vs. Tiequan Zhang
Mike Brown vs. Cole Province
Chris Horodecki vs. Ed Ratcliff
Diego Nunes vs. Tyler Toner
Antonio Banuelos vs. Chad George
Demetrious Johnson vs. Nick Pace