WEC 48: MANNY GAMBURYAN SAYS HE’S GOING TO DO "GENOCIDE" ON MIKE BROWN
Erik Fontanez
Bleacher Report
April 21 2010
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Cagefighting is set to make it’s Pay-Per-View debut this weekend with
a stacked card full of exciting fights and explosive fighters.
>From bottom to top, the card is something one can get anxious for.
It’s not only the fans that are stoked for this card, but also the
fighters.
The move from the Versus cable network to Pay-Per-View is a huge
turning point for the WEC and could be the beginning of a number
of broadcasts for a premium, which translates to bigger purses and
larger venues.
One fighter in particular, has seen the grand stage before–that
fighter is Manvel "The Anvil" Gamburyan.
During a brief time in the UFC, by way of The Ultimate Fighter reality
series, the Armenian born fighter competed in the 155-pound division.
Now, 10 pounds lighter, Gamburyan fights in the WEC’s featherweight
division and has won both his fights since making his debut in the
organization 10 months ago.
Bleacher Report MMA was recently able to sit and talk with Manny about
his fight and how big of an impact it is for the WEC to move to PPV.
"It’s a big move, bro," said Gamburyan. "I’m proud of them, you know?
It’s was their goal. They got a lot of good fights out there like
myself and Brown, Donald Cerronne and Ben Henderson in the main event.
I’m a big fan of the sport, also. I really want to see Jose Aldo
against Urijah Faber. It’s going to be fireworks."
Gamburyan is scheduled to go against former featherweight champ Mike
Brown; a tough test for any 145-pounder.
You think someone with a name like "Anvil" feels pressure going into
the promotion’s first Pay-Per-View against such tough opposition?
Probably not.
"First of all, there is no pressure in my fights. I just look at a
fight. Any fight is a fight, you know? I can’t take anything away
from Brown. He’s a gamer. I respect him as a person. Right now he’s
my enemy, but it doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy."
What Manvel has over all the other combatants on this card is that
it coincides with an anniversary that is close to his heart.
April 24th is Genocide Remembrance Day for the Armenian community
and this adds additional fuel to the fire that burns inside of Manny
Gamburyan.
"It’s a special day for me," said Manny when talking about what it
means to compete on this particular date. "Do or die, man. I’m a die
out there, bro. I’m a do everything [so] I can win."
With that win, Gamburyan can be next in line for a shot at the
organization’s featherweight title.
Some may say that this fight is used to gauge if Manny is ready for
the big show and a shot at the Aldo-Faber winner.
When asked if he agrees with that assessment, Gamburyan replied, "Oh
yeah, definitely… I need the W, and a good W. If I can finish him,
that’ll be perfect. I’m going to get a W. I guarantee, I’m going to
get a W. Winner of me and him, I’m pretty sure is going to be next
in line for a title shot."
Who would that shot come against?
Of course, we won’t know until WEC 48’s featherweight title fight
between champion Jose Aldo and challenger Urijah Faber.
As far as a preference is concerned, Gamburyan said, "I’d rather
fight the unbeatable, Jose Aldo, but my prediction is Urijah Faber,
in this one."
Before he can get to the title fight, Manny will have to get through
a tough obstacle in Mike Brown.
The former featherweight champ became the division king be defeating
Urijah Faber and successfully defended against "The California Kid"
in their rematch.
How does he plan to beat an opposition with such a great track record?
Intensity, that’s how.
"I’m going to be all over the place; be in his face for 15 minutes,"
said Gamburyan about his plan of attack. "I’m working on my
wrestling. I got tons of good wrestlers, Olympians, world champions,
world class wrestling, big dudes. I got everything at my camp."
The preparation has the young Armenian pumped and ready for action
to the point of systematic annihilation of his opponent.
"Better be ready April 24th. I’m gonna do genocide!"