Paulo Filho Released From WEC

Numerous sources are reporting that Paulo Filho has been released from his Zuffa contract and is not likely to be picked up by the UFC. Filho has battled losses, weight cutting issues, and depression during his tenure as an WEC champion.

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WEC 33 To Feature Two Title Fights

Fresh off their three-title fight night at WEC 32, the Zuffa guys are promising another stacked card in the form of two more title fights at WEC 33. Let's just say some big names are involved.

The event, WEC 33, will feature WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho’s (16-0) rematch with Chael Sonnen (19-9-1), and WEC light heavyweight champ Doug Marshall (7-2) will take on Brian Stann (5-0). This news came yesterday from MMAJunkie.com

Filho's rematch represents the response to a controversial decision which may or may not have included a verbal submission from Chael Sonnen. Filho will look to close that door with a decisive win.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Marine, Stann, will get his first shot at gold. I can't think of anything an organization would enjoy more (from a publicity standpoint) than having an active duty Marine as their champion.

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WEC 29: Filho's American Debut!

Tonight will be the airing of WEC 29, which will be feature the debut of top ranked middleweight Paulo Filho. Taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event will be placing the welterweight and middleweight titles on the line!

Yeah, sounds appealing doesn't it? What's even better is that the event will be airing free of charge on the Versus channel starting at 9 PM/ET.

The matches to be televised for your viewing pleasure are:
MW: Paulo Filho vs. Joe Doerksen (for the MW title)
WW: Carlos Condit vs. Brock Larson (for Condit's WW title)
Jeff Curran vs. Stephen Ledbetter
Jamie Varner vs. Sherron Legget

WEC has been whipping together some solid events. I just hope to see some of WEC’s top contenders have the opportunity to show their skills in the UFC Octagon (i.e. Filho).
Filho has been criticized by many to Lay N’ Pray on his opponents for boring decision victories and this is probably the same reason why Filho was placed in the WEC to see how his style would fair among American fans.

Weigh-In Photos

Catch the program tonight live! (Full details below):
WEC 29
Live on VERSUS
Sunday, August 5
9PM ET/6 PM PT

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Top-Ranked Filho Says Contract Only Included WEC

Undefeated and highly-ranked Paulo Filho recently spoke on his contract with Zuffa, citing that it only included a deal with the WEC and not the UFC. Did Filho get screwed? Is he ducking current champ and friend Anderson Silva? Find out more inside...

Despite Filho's status as one of the top Middleweights, he was only offered a deal with the WEC. Many think that the WEC and UFC are technically the same organization, as they are both owned by Zuffa, but as this example shows us, that isn't completely true. However, Filho is just anxious to start making a name for himself in the U.S. and doesn't seem upset by Zuffa's lack of explanation.

From CBS Sportsline:

Q: When Zuffa first approached you, did they give you a choice between fighting for the UFC or WEC?
PF: No. I wasn’t given a choice. I was offered a chance to fight in the WEC and that’s what I took.

Q: Was any detail provided as to why they wanted you for the WEC as opposed to the UFC?
PF: There was no detail given. The WEC is a huge organization, and I feel it’s one of the best in the world, and right now I think the opportunity for me to be in the WEC is a much better situation. There’s a lot of big names in the UFC, and I don’t have a huge name in the U.S. With the WEC, we’ll both be able to grow together. The WEC and Paulo Filho will be able to grow their names in the U.S. together, and that’s why I feel it’s a better choice for me.

Additionally, many felt that Filho had purposely asked to be placed in the WEC so he wouldn't have to fight his long-time friend and training partner Anderson Silva. Many experts believe that Filho is one of two people (Denis Kang being the other) who have a legitimate shot of taking down Silva. Did Filho duck the UFC deal so he wouldn't have to take on the number 1 Middleweight in the world and risk tarnishing his perfect record? Or did not want to put a cramp in his personal relationship with Silva? Filho says no, to both:

Q: There were reports that one reason why you’re in the WEC is because you’re good friends with current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and don’t want to fight him. Is that correct?
PF: We’re under the same management and we train together. That is true, but that’s not really the case (of why I’m in the WEC) as we chose to go to the WEC because I wanted to. But we are friends and I wouldn’t want to have that fight happen, but if that fight were to happen, then hey, we’d fight and it would be a phenomenal fight and then we’d go out to dinner after.

The Filho-Silva fight would be an absolute war, and Joe Silva (UFC matchmaker) might need to make it happen if Silva runs through Rich Franklin in October. Beyond Silva and Franklin, the UFC Middlewight division is quite week, and by far the weakest in the company. Adding a name like Filho (or free agent Kang) could really add some depth to this division and turn it into the new Heavyweight division.

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