What’s in a name?” This is a question typically applied by the literary, Shakespearian-types.

 

However, as World Extreme Cagefighting prepares for its first trip to fight-savvy Youngstown, OH, it makes perfect sense to ask “what’s in the name ‘Youngstown’?”
 
To understand this question, WEC has broken down “Youngstown” letter by letter to show just how in sync the organization and city are right now:
 
Yves Jabouin. The long-awaited WEC debut of the Canadian Jabouin has many hardcore MMA fans excited. Training out of the same camp as UFC® champ Georges St-Pierre, Jabouin is a phenomenal finisher. He’ll put those skills to test against Raphael Assuncao in Youngstown.
 
Ox Wheeler. The once-beaten, unpredictable Wheeler returns to WEC to engage in an early candidate for “Fight of the Night” against Charlie Valencia. A hard working, blue-collar fighter, Wheeler could win over fans in the industrial city of Youngstown.
 
Unbeaten. It’s a word that applies to three competitors on the WEC card on Sept. 2. Newcomers Erik Koch and Dave Jansen enter the WEC cage unbeaten in their respective careers, while Anthony Pettis hopes to remain undefeated as prepares for his second fight in WEC next month.
 
Njokuani. Kickboxing sensation Anthony Njokuani faces tested veteran Muhsin Corrbrey inside the Octagon at the Covelli Centre in what is sure to be a dynamic matchup. Fresh off a knockout victory over Bart Palaszewski in April, the 29-year-old native of Nigeria hopes to score another stoppage win against Corrbrey in the town that boxer Kelly Pavlik calls home.
 
Greg Jackson. The world-class trainer based out of Albuquerque, NM has two of his protégés fighting at the Covelli Centre. First, hard-hitting Damacio Page battles Akitoshi Tamura in a pivotal bantamweight bout. Then, in the main event, Jackson-trained Donald Cerrone fights Ben Henderson for the interim lightweight title. In a town that top-notch trainer Jack Loew calls home, it will be interesting to see the mark that Jackson’s fighters leave in Youngstown.
 
Scott Jorgensen. If there was ever a fighter to lay it all on the line in the WEC, it’s the 26-year-old Jorgensen. Having narrowly lost a decision to Antonio Banuelos in June – a fight in which many believe he won – Jorgensen is eager to score a win over Rafael Rebello on Sept. 2. Gritty and full of heart, Jorgensen might just be the type of fighter that earns the hearts of the Youngstown faithful.
 
Taurosevicius. You may not be able to pronounce Deividas Taurosevicius’ name 10 times fast, but you will surely see why he’s built quite the following after he competes against Mark Hominick in Youngstown. With 8 of his 10 professional wins coming by way of submission, the Lithuanian fighter knows how to finish fights. Just what fans in Youngstown desire, right?
 
On the rise. Much like the city itself, fighters like Raphael Assuncao, Rich Crunkilton, and Manny Tapia are hoping wins in Youngstown will lead them toward a championship fight. Each considered among the best in their respective divisions, don’t be surprised if a fighter from this group wears WEC gold in the near future.
 
Wagnney Fabiano. Fans in Youngstown may have heard of this gifted Brazilian grappler, but on Sept. 2 they’ll get to see him live. One of the most feared ground fighters in the sport, Fabiano brings his 12-1 record to the table against Erik Koch. Knowing a win could put him in line for a shot at 145-pound champion Mike Brown, expect Fabiano to look for the finish on Sept. 2.
 
Never say never when it comes to WEC events, especially this one in Youngstown. In addition to 11 fights, WEC is also hosting an autograph signing with UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell on Sept. 2, not to mention a Q&A with MMA stars Frank Mir, Jens Pulver, and Urijah Faber on Sept. 1. If that’s not enough, Shaquille O’Neal, the newest star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has already expressed his excitement over WEC coming to the Covelli Centre on Sept. 2. Could WEC have more star-power lined up? Stay tuned…

 

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