8 Bouts Booked for WEC Finale

International Fight League veteran Bart Palaszewski (Pictured) will meet the unbeaten Kamal Shalorus in a key lightweight duel at WEC 53 “Henderson vs. Pettis” on Dec. 16 at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Eight bouts are now official for the event, the promotion’s last before its merger with the UFC.

A semi-finalist in the 2007 IFL lightweight grand prix, Palaszewski will carry a four-fight winning streak into the match. The 27-year-old Jeff Curran protégé last appeared at WEC 50 in August, when he knocked out Zachary Micklewright in the second round at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. A potent finisher, Palaszewski has secured 27 of his 35 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. Wins over “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 12 alum Kyle Watson, American Top Team’s Steve Bruno and former IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz anchor his resume. In 48 professional appearances, the durable Palaszewski has been knocked out only once.

The Iranian-born Shalorus has not competed since he fought former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner to a controversial draw at WEC 49 in June. He was deducted a point for repeated accidental groin strikes in the second round. An accomplished wrestler who has become known for inviting wild exchanges on the feet, Shalorus used wins over Will Kerr and Team Quest’s Dave Jansen as springboards to higher-profile bouts. He has held titles inside the Texas-based Superior Warrior Championship and King of Kombat promotions.

A pair of five-round title bouts will headline WEC 53, as lightweight champion Benson Henderson defends against Duke Roufus protégé Anthony Pettis and bantamweight titleholder Dominick Cruz squares off with Scott Jorgensen, the top contender at 135 pounds.

WEC 53 “Henderson vs. Pettis”
Thursday, Dec. 16
Jobing.com Arena
Glendale, Ariz.

WEC Lightweight Championship
Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis

WEC Bantamweight Championship
Dominick Cruz vs. Scott Jorgensen

Donald Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki
Bart Palaszewski vs. Kamal Shalorus
Jamie Varner vs. Shane Roller
Ivan Menjivar vs. Brad Pickett
Danny Castillo vs. Will Kerr
Renan do Nascimento Mota Pegado vs. Chris Cariaso
* Tie Quan Zhang vs. Daniel Downes
* Yuri Alcantara vs. Ricardo Lamas

* Not Official