WEC 39 Breakdown: The Undercard

Tim LeideckerFeb 27, 2009
Photo by Sherdog.com

Serdyukov will be overmatched.
Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov

Power Ratings

Hendricks
Striking : 2.0
Grappling : 4.0
Submissions : 2.0
Experience : 2.0
Total : 2.5

Serdyukov
Striking : 2.5
Grappling : 1.5
Submissions : 2.5
Experience : 3.0
Total : 2.4

Analysis: Hendricks (4-0) is being groomed by the WEC to become the next Jon Fitch or Josh Koscheck. A four-time Div. I All-American and two-time national champion at Oklahoma State University, Hendricks entered the MMA world with an excellent wrestling pedigree. As a professional fighter, he has finished all four of his bouts.

Serdyukov (8-4), meanwhile, will play the role of the striker in this classic striker-versus-grappler affair. “The Russian Crusher” has been a mainstay for the promotion, fighting seven times and posting a 5-2 record in the process; his only losses came to the well-rounded and experienced John Alessio. Originally from Moscow, this muay Thai specialist now fights out of San Francisco.

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Prediction: This is a bout tailor-made for Hendricks. Watch for the American to notch another win, either by ground-and-pound or choke-related submission.