WEC 49: LC Davis Looking To Match Josh Grispi's Fire with Fire

On Sunday, June 20th the World Extreme Cagefighting organization invades the Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with another explosive and entertaining card.

WEC 49 marks another huge step forward for the organization, as this will be its first event held outside of the US.

One fight on the card that is sure to turn some heads is the featherweight matchup between LC Davis and the young and explosive Josh Grispi. Not only does this matchup have the potential to steal the show and be the “Fight of the Night”, but also it could play a major role in clearing up the featherweight title picture.

“I think I’m up there from what I have been hearing,” Davis told Bleacher Report when asked where he saw himself in the featherweight title picture. “I’m definitely one of those top guys. I think the winner of this fight should be in line with either Manny (Gamburyan) or next in line.

“I’m not sure; I’m just focused on winning this fight and getting one step closer. The main goal is to just focus on Josh Grispi and get the win and see what’s next from there.”

Considering what this matchup could mean, Davis—who splits his training between his home of Kansas City and Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas—really lucked out with the timing of this fight. With so many Xtreme Couture fighters preparing for fights, it changed the feeling and intensity around the gym.

“Yes, it’s awesome man. Last time I was here none of the guys really had fights coming up so the intensity and practice wasn’t as good. Guys like Gray (Maynard) were taking some time off but now everyone has fights coming up so there are some great training sessions, great intensity with everyone working hard. It just worked out good since I have a fight the same time as everyone else.”

While Grispi is a very dangerous and hungry fighter, Davis is confident in his training routine. Rather than doing something out of the norm and changing his approach, he instead is just focusing on making minor adjustments for what Grispi brings to the table.

“I’m trying to spar with some taller guys because I think he’s like 5’11” or 6’. I’ve been sparring with guys who throw big right hands. I think he’s a really aggressive fighter so I’ve been doing a lot of work with my boxing coach on my footwork and movement.

“I’ve done some small things to prepare for my opponent but pretty much I’ve trained the same for everyone I fight.”

Where Davis really sees himself having the advantage over Grispi in this matchup is in his technique and his ability to exploit Grispi’s aggression.

“I think I’m a better wrestler than he is. I think standing I’m a little more technical and better at some things but he’s really aggressive and being really aggressive is good and bad. It creates openings for him because people make mistakes because of the pressure. At the same time his aggression creates openings for me too.

“I think I match up well against him. I think there are going to be some things that I’m going to be able to do that counters his aggression.”

Aside from the technical aspect of the fight Davis feels that the pace and intensity of this matchup are going to be key in the final outcome.

"I think the start of the fight is going to be the real tale of the fight. He finishes everyone fast and he comes out hard. I think I have to meet his fire with fire and at the same time I have to keep him guessing.

“My game plan every time I fight is to just be a well-rounded mixed martial artist; just try to keep my opponents guessing. I don’t think I’m the best striker, the best wrestler or the best ground guy but I think I do a real good job of mixing it all together and blending the skills that I have.

“He’s going to come out hard and I’m going to have to match his intensity as we get into the fight. I think whoever can set the pace in the first minute is going to be who wins the fight.

“I’m going to leave it all out in the cage and perform to the best of my abilities and get one step closer to the title.”