WEC 45 weigh-in: Big-name fighters on hand to watch

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 | 5:54 p.m.

The WEC 45 official weigh-ins Friday looked more like a reunion party for UFC and WEC fighters, as some of the biggest names in the sport showed up to support those competing Saturday night.

The list of fighters on hand to see the weigh-ins included Frank Mir, Clay Guida, Pat Barry, Mike Brown, Dominick Cruz, Leonard Garcia, Miguel Torres and Ben Henderson.

All 20 fighters on Saturday's card ended up making weight, although bantamweight Takeya Mizugaki and lightweight Anthony Njokuani each required an extra hour to lose additional weight after they each came in one pound heavy.

Normally when a fighter misses weight by only one pound, they are given the option of removing all clothing in a last attempt to make weight.

Things almost got real interesting when Mizugaki, apparently not a shy guy, stepped back to drop his drawers in front of the entire crowd on hand, instead of waiting for the traditional towel to hide behind.

WEC general manager Reed Harris was quick enough to stop Mizugaki before any damage was done.

Popular lightweight Donald Cerrone received the warmest welcome from the crowd before weighing in right on target at 155. His opponent, Ed Ratcliff, also came in at 155.

When asked for his prediction on how Saturday would go, Ratcliff responded calmly.

"Knockout," he said. "You already know what it is. He's going to have to deal with my speed."

Cerrone, who has come up just short in two championship fights already this year, was quick to fire back.

"I'll be right there the whole time," Cerrone said. "I'll be brining the fight to him."

The main card of WEC 45 will be broadcast live on Versus. Doors open to the event at 3:30 p.m.

Full Results:

Donald Cerrone (155) vs. Ed Ratcliff (155)

Chris Horodecki (155) vs. Anthony Njokuani (156)

Joseph Benavidez (135) vs. Rani Yahya (135.5)

Scott Jorgensen (135) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (135)

Bart Palaszewski (155) vs. Anthony Pettis (155)

Muhsin Corbbrey (156) vs. Zach Micklewright (155)

Chad George (135) vs. John Hosman (135)

Courtney Buck (146) vs. Brandon Visher (144)

Kyle Dietz (135) vs. Brad Pickett (136)

Erik Koch (146) vs. Jameel Massouh (145)

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Also follow him on twitter: LVSunFighting.