WEC 39 Breakdown: The Main Card

Ricardo Lamas vs. Bart Palaszewski

Ricardo “Bully” Lamas Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’8”/155 lbs.
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago
Fighting out of: Chicago
Team: Team Top Notch
Record: 5-0

The breakdown: Besides presenting a long-sought-after opportunity to reference Lorenzo Llamas’ run on “Renegade,” this Chicagoan’s WEC debut also marks an unexpected but critical opportunity for the up-and-coming Illinois native. Obviously short on experience when compared to the veteran Palaszewski, Lamas will have to rely on his high-octane motor and mat work to outhustle his opponent, who will undoubtedly look to test him on the feet.

While Lamas may not be the second coming of Alexander Karelin, he has serviceable takedowns and is particularly effective when he crowds opponents against the cage. Getting inside on Palaszewski is the key to beating him, and if Lamas can survive Palaszewski’s striking long enough to do so, this bout could quickly turn into his coming out party.

The X factor: The pressure of a short-notice bout is tough enough, but Lamas is accustomed to fighting for tiny crowds against mediocre competition. Taking on a fighter the caliber of Palaszewski in front of a WEC audience will serve as a complete 180 from what Lamas is accustomed to, and how he handles the circumstances will be pivotal to his performance.

Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’9”/155 lbs.
Age: 25
Hometown: Warsaw, Poland
Fighting out of: Crystal Lake, Ill.
Team: Team Curran
Record: 30-11

The breakdown: After a career revival came off the rails towards the end of his time inside the International Fight League, Palaszewski quickly announced his presence in the WEC by dismantling Alex Karalexis en route to a solid second-round technical knockout win. With incumbent champion Jamie Varner’s future up in the air thanks to injuries and a dearth of established contenders, this is likely Palaszewski’s best chance at reclaiming the success of his early days in the IFL.

The X factor: Zoning in on Lamas’ nascent striking should be Palaszewski’s main priority. When push comes to shove, the fact remains that Lamas is an unknown quantity, and Palaszewski has the upper hand if he can force him out of his comfort zone. Lamas may prove to be a tougher mark than a 5-year-old with a bag of quarters standing in front of the “Street Fighter IV” at the arcade, but one has to think the extremely short notice and lack of experience are factors that favor Palaszewski.

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The bottom line: Taking a fight on a few days notice is one thing, but doing so when the opponent is far more experienced seems downright suicidal. Besides, Lamas is a still-developing fighter. Palaszewski’s all-around game is far more proven, and his striking poses a serious threat to Lamas’ undefeated record. Expect Lamas to give Palaszewski a run for his money, but it his efforts will do nothing to save his record from a blemish.