Alex Karalexis: Excited and Ready To Fight Anthony Pettis at WEC 48

WEC lightweight Alex Karalexis (10-4) has fought and defeated some of the best fighters in his division.

Karalexis has competed against the likes of UFC contenders Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez, and WEC contenders Bart Palaszewski and Ed Ratcliff.

His last opponent, Greg McIntyre, never made it out of the first round against the heavy-handed Boston native.

With 50 percent of his victories coming via TKO or KO, it is of no secret what Karalexis brings to the table each time out.

However, do not think for one moment that he only brings knockout power into the cage as he has an extensive wrestling background as well.

Speaking with Bleacher Report , Karalexis spoke about his preparations for WEC 48, thoughts on his opponent, and more.

Sityodtong Muay Thai is where the WEC lightweight calls home and even with this fight being on short notice, he states that training is going great.

"I've got no complains, just trucking along. I'll be here with Mark (Dellagrotte) for four-and-a-half weeks total. Also, Kevin (Kearns) when he's in town and whenever I can."

Most training camps range anywhere from eight to 12 weeks, so having four-and-a-half weeks is less than optimal.

However, Karalexis has kept in great shape and is splitting time between the famed Sityodtong Academy and the academy in his home town of Rockland, Massachusetts.

"I keep my training with Dellagrotte, but when I'm home I got to South Shore Sport Fighting in Rockland, Mass. That's where it all started and that will always be a special place for me. It's a great place and they do a great job there," Karalexis said.

"I really feel that Mark Dellagrotte has helped me reach my potential in the last few fights. I'm excited to get back in there. I haven't fought in 13 months and the good thing about my lay-off has been that my injuries have come at the end of my training camps.

So, I've actually had two full training camps in. but I just haven't been able to use them in a fight. I feel like I'm much more of a dynamic fighter, even more than I was for the McIntyre fight."

Karalexis has been out of action since the aforementioned TKO victory against Greg McIntyre at WEC 39 last March due to injuries so staying sharp is quite a testament to his work ethic.

"My main sponsor is Jared Allen and being able to be around him has really opened a lot of doors for me. Learning how to be a professional athlete, working hard, and spending a significant amount of time around him has helped tremendously."

Allen is arguably the most dominant defensive player in the NFL as he has compiled 72 sacks in six seasons. If Karalexis can duplicate that kind of success in MMA then there will be no doubt that it has helped him tremendously.

His opponent, Anthony Pettis comes into the fight fresh off a March head kick knockout victory over Danny Castillo.

Both Pettis and Karalexis are much alike in the fact that they share the rare one-strike knockout power, which leads us to what kind of game plan does one implement in such a fight.

"There's no secret to my game plan, I fight my fight every time out and that's it. Pettis is very dynamic. He can knock you out with both hands, both feet, and both knees. He's very capable of submitting you too, so he's dangerous in all situations. The one thing I saw with was he likes to pick his shots and run away," Karalexis went on to explain.

"He's the type that when you're a kid and you have a bee hive on your house, he's the kid that would throw one rock at it and run away. Then run up again, throw another rock and run away again.

I'm the type that stands there, grabs the garden hose and sprays it until they're all gone. I think Bart (Palaszewski) showed how to beat this kid. If you let Pettis get comfortable and get in rhythm then I think he's one of the best 155's in the world if that happens."

In order to take the dynamic Pettis out of his game, Karalexis must be on his A-game the whole duration of the fight no matter how long it lasts.

Do not think that Karalexis is disrespecting his opponent but think of it as him being confident in his own abilities.

"In two years, I think he can be the best in the world. That's how much respect I have for him and I really enjoying watching him fight. There's certain fights you know you can get away with some things but when you're fighting a dynamic guy like Pettis you can't," the Sityodtong trained fighter went on to say.

"But that's what I do though is take people out of their comfort zones and I'm excited to fight, it's been too long, and it's not healthy."

The action-packed showdown between Karalexis and Pettis can be seen this Saturday night live on SpikeTV at 9 PM EST as part of the "Aldo vs. Faber Prelims Live."

The event will take place live from Arco Arena (Home of the NBA's Sacramento Kings) and has already been sold out. 

More information on Karalexis can be located at the following:

www.alexkaralexis.com , www.sityodtong.com , and www.sssfighting.com .