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CFC 21: Juarez, Whittaker battle for the welterweight title

Roar Guru
15th May, 2012
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The Australian welterweight division is under the microscope due to the announcement of UFC-owned reality TV series, ‘The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)’ setting itself up for a local version (against the UK).

This brings new focus to local MMA fighter Robert Whittaker’s (9-1) upcoming fight against CFC welterweight champ Jesse Juarez (17-8) this weekend at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in Sydney.

While Juarez is the more experienced of the two, Whittaker’s impressive 9-1 record, including 7-0 within the CFC isn’t something to take lightly.

Incredibly he also has finished every fight with a range of submissions or via TKO/KO.

All this has been achieved at just 21 years of age.

Whittaker is the embodiment of all that TUF is, a chance for extremely good local fighters to get into the spotlight of MMA’s greatest stage.

But first, he faces a well experienced and fierce competitor in Juarez.

The American champion has been fighting for almost six years, including appearances in Strikeforce and Bellator and won the CFC welterweight Championship back at CFC 13 in April 2010.

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Juarez last defended his belt in a five-round battle with Manuel Rodriguez at CFC 18 August 2011, the same card that Whittaker won against Corey Nelson with an impressive arm bar.

This fight is going to be a fantastic end to a strong card, with heavyweights Palelei vs Sapp and Monson vs York amongst other great names on the local MMA scene.

While Whittaker is extremely threatening to the title given his track record in finishes, Juarez does have much more experience in this next level of competition and should remain champion Saturday night.

Win or lose, Whittaker is well on his way to MMA stardom and has a big career ahead of him, especially with the UFC breaking into the region with The Ultimate Fighter.

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