Issue 042
October 2008
Though not the lightest of all weight divisions (Japanese promotion Shooto has a 125lb-and-under weight class), the 135lb bantamweight division is an action-packed yet often-overlooked category that holds some surprises, should you check it out. The American promotion World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) is popularising the division with high-profile matches and further exposure of lighter fighters, while Japanese promotions Shooto and Cage Force regularly feature fighters at 135lb.
Miguel Torres
34-1-0
Chicago, USA
Masakatsu Ueda
8-0-1
Tokyo, Japan
Paul McVeigh
14-5-0
Glasgow, Scotland
Takeya Mizugaki
9-2-0
Tokyo, Japan
Will Ribeiro
9-1-0
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Chase Beebe
11-3-0
Chicago, USA
Brian Bowles
6-0-0
Athens, Georgia
In Brief
Miguel Torres
Hispanic submission specialist often listed as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Masakatsu Ueda
Undefeated Shooto world champion.
Paul McVeigh
Energetic Northern Irish fighter based in Scotland.
Takeya Mizugaki
Fiery Japanese kickboxer.
Will Ribeiro
Brazilian knock-out artist poised to make a splash in the USA.
Chase Beebe
23-year-old Stable mate of Clay Guida and stalwart of WEC.
Brian Bowles
Undefeated Hardcore gym prospect who had a breakout year in 2007.
The Good
Miguel Torres
Long and lanky, he has a reach advantage over most opponents, but his strength is his submission game (21 career submissions).
Masakatsu Ueda
Great wrestler with even better jiu jitsu. Lethal barabo/darce chokes.
Paul McVeigh
Highly skilled submission grappler, trains with best team in Scotland. Always has a good gameplan.
Takeya Mizugaki
Hyper aggressive striker with pinpoint accuracy, KO power and solid takedown defence .
Will Ribeiro
A hard hitter and solid grappler. Good Muay Thai skills.
Chase Beebe
Likes to pressure his opponents, cardio for days, a good scrapper.
Brian Bowles
Very well rounded and physically very strong.
The Bad
Miguel Torres
Yet to be revealed.
Masakatsu Ueda
Undersized at bantamweight, currently competes at 60kg (132lb).
Paul McVeigh
Stand-up has always been a weak area for him, but is improving with time.
Takeya Mizugaki
His aggressive style can hurt him, he burnt himself out against Ozawa and Ueda.
Will Ribeiro
Lack of exposure to US audience means may take a while before recognised as a legit contender.
Chase Beebe
Back to back defeats hint at a loss of focus.
Brian Bowles
With only six bouts he may lack the experience to challenge the more seasoned competitors.
Notable achievements
Miguel Torres
He holds the 135lb title in the WEC, home to the West’s best lighter weight fighters.
Masakatsu Ueda
Shooto world champion and the 2006 Shooto rookie champion.
Paul McVeigh
Cage Warriors bantamweight champion.
Takeya Mizugaki
Undefeated in the Cage Force organisation.
Will Ribeiro
Five of his nine wins are by KO. Defeated former WEC champ Chase Beebe in his last fight.
Chase Beebe
Fought eight times in 2006, going 5-0 in the process. Former WEC champ.
Brian Bowles
Shocking the world with his submission victory of the seasoned Charlie Valencia in his 4th fight.
Must-see fight
Miguel Torres
His most recent fight with Yoshiro Maeda is a candidate for fight of the year.
Masakatsu Ueda
His March 2008 bout with Koetsu Okazaki to see him dominate another top-5 bantamweight.
Paul McVeigh
Many see his title defence against Anderson Pereira as his finest hour.
Takeya Mizugaki
His recent KO win in Cage Force vs Daichi Fujiwara.
Will Ribeiro
The 15-minute back and fore tussle with Beebe.
Chase Beebe
His five-round war with Brazilian Rani Yahya.
Brian Bowles
His second-round KO win over top ranked black belt Marcos Galvao in WEC.
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