Brian Stann vs. Steve Cantwell WEC 35

Micah Miller vs. Josh Grispi WEC 35

Brock Larson vs. Carlo Prater WEC 35

Jamie Varner vs. Marcus Hicks WEC 35

Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page WEC 35

Mixed martial arts is making headlines in major newspapers all across the country and we have a couple of those stories in today’s Daily Crunch. Also, Roger Huerta gives the UFC some bad publicity while a pair of WEC fighters are taking a one-day-at-a time approach to their upcoming bouts this Sunday at WEC 35. It’s time to get going with The Thursday Crunch.

Michael Brick of the New York Times takes a look at the badges of honor worn by mixed martial artists. Brick explains how the cauliflower ear has become part of the mma culture in what is a very interesting read.

Kye Stephenson of the Baltimore Sun debates whether or not Chuck Liddell deserves a title shot even with an impressive win over Rashad Evans at UFC 88.

Roger Huerta tells Fight Magazine that he doesn’t care if he ever fights in the UFC again. Mmapayout.com has the inside slant.

Carlos Condit may be one of the top ten welterweights in the world but he doesn’t make too much noise about it. Yahoo Sports columnist Kevin Lole dives in to Condit’s low profile world.

Undefeated Marcus Hicks is coming into Sunday night’s WEC lightweight title fight against Jamie Varner like it is just another fight. MMA Weekly caught up with Hicks as he gets set for the biggest fight of his career.

Sherdog gets an earful from Kala Hose who will be featured in ICON’s main event this Saturday when he faces Rolando Dominique in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Camouflaged by the slew of title fights at WEC 35, one of the organization’s top young fighters is getting a little less press. Micah Miller is one of the featherweights fans should keep an eye on. This Sunday, he’ll take on John Grispi as part of the undercard at WEC 35. In case you are not too familiar with Miller, here is a recent interview in which you’ll get to know him a little bit better.

Hump day is finally here which means there is one less day to fight night. The WEC is in the spotlight this week as it gears up for its Sunday night event. Here at the crunch, we’re getting you started with everything you need to know while another weekend of action rapidly approaches.

James Irvin has tested positive for painkillers and after getting bludgeoned by Anderson Silva, he may have very well needed them. But Nevada officials might not see things in such a light.

A panel over at 411mania.com debates the issue of whether or not Andrei Arlovski is better competition for Fedor Emelianenko than Tim Sylvia. Could he really be any worse?

Sherdog follows Carlos Condit’s charge towards this Sunday’s welterweight title defense against Hiromitsu Miura at WEC 35.

The San Fransisco Chronicle shows how mixed martial arts was able to convert a boxing town into a city that is now love with the sport of mma.

Also on the card at WEC 35 will be a match-up between David Terel and Blas Avena. Who, you might ask? WEC.tv answers that question.

The Vancouver Sun explains why the month of July was a banner time for the sport of mixed martial arts.

The WEC picked up yet another former IFL fighter who was searching for a new boss. John Franchi had just settled in to the IFL, winning his debut bout back in May. It was the fourth straight professional victory for Franchi who was competing as a lightweight. Mmajunkie.com reports that Franchi will compete in the 145 pound Featherweight division as part of the WEC.

Always on the hunt for new prospects, particularly in the lighter weight classes, the WEC as turned its attention to the recent wave of unemployed fighters in the IFL. It could wind up swooping in and corralling quite a few of them before all is said and done.

Franchi is a former college wrestler who made his professional debut last October. No bout has been set for Franchi as of yet, however in the ever expanding Featherweight division he will likely see some action very soon.

Jamie Varner takes his pre-fight preparation very seriously. Watch as he takes you through his training that includes everything from dieting to pouring out blood, sweat and tears in the gym three times a day. He’ll be one of the main attractions this weekend at WEC 35 as he takes on a very tough Marcus Hicks. Varner, the current WEC lightweight champion, is one of WEC’s rising young stars and hopes to soar to even greater heights this Sunday night.