The former WEC Bantamweight champion Eddie Wineland lost his title to Chase Beebe back in March 2007 at WEC 26. Since that loss, he bounced back with two consecutive wins over Jason Tabor and Wade Choate. Just when many thought he was climbing his way back to the top of the division again, he was submited at WEC 40 by Rani Yahya via a rear-naked choke in the first round. He’ll have to make up that loss against Manny Tapia as he prepares for yet another difficult battle on September 2nd.
Tapia held an undefeated record of 10-0-1 until he faced Miguel Torres at WEC 37 for the Bantamweight title. After losing to Torres via TKO (strikes) in the second round, he went on to lose his second MMA fight against Akitoshi Tamura via a unanimous decision at WEC 40.
Both fighters are in need of a victory if they plan to stay on the top of the competitive Bantamweight division. WEC 43 takes place on September 2nd at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio. The main event will headline Donald Cerrone vs. Benson Henderson for the WEC interim lightweight title.
