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Manny Tapia was forced to withdraw this evening from a highly anticipated bout against WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres (32-1) because of a knee injury sustained while training for their showdown at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif., on June 1.
MMAmania.com has learned that Yoshiro Maeda (23-4-2) has agreed to replace Tapia on short notice and take on Torres at WEC 34: “Faber vs. Pulver” for the 135-pound strap.
Maeda made his WEC debut in Albuquerque, N.M., knocking out Charlie Valencia with a body kick in the first round. The Japanese fighter is a decorated Pancrase and DEEP veteran. In fact, Maeda was the first Pancrase featherweight titleholder.
He had some trouble competing under the Pride FC banner (two of his four losses); however, Maeda has not lost since being submitted by Joe Pearson back in 2006.
It was announced today actually that Maeda would face Damacio Page. That bout appears to have quickly been scratched, however, to ensure a worthy opponent for Torres.
http://mmamania.com/2008/04/14/miguel-torres-vs-yoshiro-maeda-wec-title-fight-slated-for-june-1-exclusive/
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Post #1 4/15/08 12:08:34AM
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exciting.
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Post #2 4/15/08 12:15:19AM
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In my opinion Maeda deserves the shot more than Tapia did anyway.
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Post #3 4/15/08 12:27:55AM
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Posted by rabbit915
In my opinion Maeda deserves the shot more than Tapia did anyway.
Pretty much. This will be a much bigger test for Torres. He will need to get this one to the ground asap.
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Post #4 4/15/08 12:58:33AM
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I just dont see Yoshiro pulling this one out if it goes to the ground. When Torres fought Beebe, it was some of the sickest Jiu Jitsu i've seen. (and apparently Frank Mir thought so as well, he was going NUTS as i remember.)
Torres Rd. 2 Sub.
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Post #5 4/15/08 9:06:20AM
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Posted by babytater03
I just dont see Yoshiro pulling this one out if it goes to the ground. When Torres fought Beebe, it was some of the sickest Jiu Jitsu i've seen. (and apparently Frank Mir thought so as well, he was going NUTS as i remember.)
Torres Rd. 2 Sub.
i agree on everything. dude's got skills. WAR TORRES!
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Post #6 4/15/08 9:57:46AM
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Maeda will be a huge test for Torres...... but I see Torres holding that belt for a long time..... Torres rd. 2 sub
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Post #7 4/15/08 10:43:37AM
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This is a better fight, torres would have destory manny anywhere with that reach and the ground game.
Should be a solid fight, but miguel will win via a finish.
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Post #8 4/15/08 11:11:10AM
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I'm definitely looking forward to this fight... Torres' jiu-jitsu is just too good for Maeda. I see Torres as the champ for a long time.
Last edited 4/15/08 11:34AM server time by coldchillin
Edit note/reason: n/a
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Post #9 4/15/08 11:33:34AM
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Torres is just an animal no matter were the fight gos.....so like most people are saying i also believe he will be champion for a very long time,,,,,
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Post #10 4/15/08 9:54:23PM
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