Vazquez uses media to get co-main event status at WEC 52

Javier Vazquez is ready to do whatever's necessary to move up the ranks at featherweight. Weeks before the fight, he laid the groundwork for what could be a breakthrough win. Vazquez's attack was two-pronged.

First, he changed camps and began working with noted takedown artist Antonio McKee. His opponent tonight at WEC 52, Chad Mendes was a high level NCAA wrestler.

Then Vazquez simply spoke his mind. Vazquez said his opponent Chad Mendes had been spoon-fed and given preferential treatment by the WEC.

Mendes flipped out and said he had the phrase "spoon-fed" rattling around his head the rest of his training camp. Vazquez responded this week. 

"I wasn't the one who blew it out of proportion. I'm just having fun," Vazquez told Heavy.com. "I'm speaking my mind. It's something I feel. If he doesn't like it than that's his problem. Maybe he's got a bunch of yes men around him and they're telling him how great he is. And nobody should talk about us that way or you that way. Come on man. Give me a break."

Intentional or not, the buzz around the fight caught the eye of WEC managment. The match was bumped up the card to co-main event status. Vazquez is thrilled. So much so that he pulled aside the reporter, Brett Okamoto from the Las Vegas Sun, and thanked him this week for using the original quote in his story. 

WEC 52 betting odds (Courtesy Lagasse Stadium):

Takeyu Mizugaki (+300) v. Urijah Faber (-400) - Bantamweight
Javier Vazquez (+220) v. Chad Mendes (-300) - Featherweight
Waggney Fabiano (+220) v. Joe Benavidez (-300) - Bantamweight
Francisco Rivera (+300) v. Erik Koch (-400) - Featherweight
Demetrious Johnson (+250) v. Damacio Page (-330) - Bantamweight
Raphael Assuncao (+115) v. LC Davis (-145) - Featherweight
Mackens Semerzier (+180) v. Cub Swanson (-220) - Featherweight
Clint Godfrey (+110) v. Michael Mcdonald (-140) - Bantamweight
Dustin Poirier (+110) v. Zack Micklewright (-140) - Lightweight
Yves Yabouin (+160) v. Brandon Visher (-190) - Featherweight
Edward Faaloloto (+280) v. Anthony Njokuani (-360) - Lightweight

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Vazquez-uses-media-to-get-co-main-event-status-a?urn=mma-284691

Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson