4-Man Tourney Cleared at WEC 17 Weigh-ins By Loretta Hunt LEMOORE, California (October 13, 2005) - Central California's most popular fight promotion, World Extreme Cagefighting, kicked off its official weigh-ins this afternoon for its 17th installment in four-plus years. The event's longevity has become quite an asset for fighters looking to get their feet wet, clock in some solid victories, or even make a comeback. In particular, a 4-man light heavyweight tournament could yield a clear prospect for advancement in the circuit, as one fighter's hand will be raised two times once the night is through. Understanding this opportunity, all four athletes involved came in under required numbers today, along with alternate Tait Fletcher, who will be on standby should one of the competitors not be able to continue on to the finals. Elsewhere on the card, super heavyweights Jimmy Ambriz and Ricco Rodriguez hit the scales at 303 and 288 pounds; and heavyweights Corey Salter and Lavar Johnson were recorded at 259 and 242 pounds. Light heavyweight and Lion's Den instructor Vernon "Tiger" White made weight at 203.5 pounds, yet opponent Alex Stiebling had a bit of a struggle. 12 pounds over the first time he stepped on the scales, Stiebling made it within four pounds an hour later, but as of the weigh-ins "official" closing had not checked in again. However, he is expected to make weight to compete Friday. Unsanctioned by the state commission at this time (California is in its final stages of approving a set of rules to regulate MMA in the state); the WEC notably tries to adhere to the guidelines that have been adopted in other states. However, there are miscommunications from time to time, and it appears Gil Castillo and opponent Steve Ramirez had one today. After weighing in at 171 pounds and within the welterweight limit, Castillo discovered Ramirez had come in at 184 pounds to make the middleweight mark. Mildly upset at the faux pas at first, Castillo agreed to continue on anyway. Also on the card, heavyweight Kenny Ento weighed in at 218 pounds earlier in the day, only to have opponent Charles Price appear at the very end of the proceedings and weigh in at 275 pounds, 10 pounds heavier than the standard heavyweight cut-off. While all involved are aware and the fight will commence, the WEC is aware concessions like this (usually made to ensure fighters that have taken great efforts to train actually get to fight) can not be made under the CSAC's future jurisdiction if they choose to adhere to it. WEC 17 Weigh-In Results (Absent fighters noted by no recorded weight unless specified above; all listed expected to compete Friday) Andrew Martinez (185 lbs.) vs Jimmy Dexter (182 lbs.) Charles Price (275 lbs.) vs Kenny Ento (218 lbs.) Carlton Jones (230 lbs.) vs Shane Carwin Steve Ramirez (184 lbs.) vs Gil Castillo (171 lbs.) Ed Tomaselli (135 lbs.) vs Antonio Banuelos (135 lbs.) Joseph Martin vs Cole Escovedo (150 lbs.) Alex Stiebling vs Vernon White (203 lbs.) Robert Breslin (155 lbs.) vs Poppies Martinez (162 lbs.)* Sam Wells vs. Gabe Ruediger (155 lbs.) Mike Pyle (170 lbs.) vs Bret Bergmark (169 lbs.) Cory Salter (259 lbs.) vs Lavar Johnson (242 lbs.) Jimmy Ambriz (303 lbs.) vs Ricco Rodriguez (288 lbs.) 4-Man Light Heavyweight Tournament Scott Smith (204 lbs.) vs. Tim McKenzie (203 lbs.) Justin Levens (203 lbs.) vs. Jorge Van Damme Oliviera (205 lbs.) Alternate – Tate Fletcher (202 lbs.) * Breslin allowed Martinez 7 pounds |
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