Neer, Avena Hit Welterweight Marks for SCC 2 Main Event

The Josh Neer (pictured) and Blas Avena hit their contracted marks at Friday's weigh-ins for Superior Cage Combat 2.

Neer tipped the scales at 170 pounds, as did Avena, ratifying their welterweight main event. Going down Aug. 20 from the Orleans Arena at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, SCC 2 will also feature a lightweight duel pitting former UFC talent Justin Buchholz (155) against Thiago Meller (155).

Another onetime UFC combatant, John Alessio (170), had been scheduled to square off against durable Strikeforce and Bellator veteran Waachiim Spiritwolf at the event. However, Spiritwolf was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury. Fighting Alessio in his stead will be four-year pro Shawn Fitzsimmons (170).

An eight-year professional, Neer competed for the UFC a total of 10 time from 2003 to 2009. More recently, Neer has won five of his last six fights, with his lone loss in that span coming to Bellator lightweight king Eddie Alvarez in May 2010. The Iowan's last in-cage appearance came at Shark Fights 16 when he earned a first-round technical knockout over Jesse Juarez on June 25.

A six-time WEC veteran, Avena has never before seen a judges' decision. The 28-year-old has yet to compete this year and has lost two of his last three confrontations. Avena's most recent outing snapped a two-fight losing skid, as he submitted Kenny Marzola with a rear-naked choke in February 2010.

Superior Cage Combat 2
Saturday, Aug. 20
Orleans Arena at the Orleans Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas

Blas Avena (170) vs. Josh Neer (170)
Justin Buchholz (155) vs. Thiago Meller (155)
John Alessio (170) vs. Shawn Fitzsimmons (170)
John Gunderson (161) vs. James Birdsley (161)
Victor Moreno (184) vs. Bristol Marunde (185.5)
Elvis Mutapcic (185) vs. Cezar Ferreira (185)
Chase Gormley (275) vs. Beau Tribolet (236)
Danny Davis Jr. (169) vs. Mike Dizak (170)
David Bollea (155) vs. Jimmy Jones (152)