Bowles looking to keep his belt. Photo: Josh Hedges
March begins with World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) marking the returns of the former bantamweight title holder Miguel Angel Torres, and former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver. It will be the first WEC event in Ohio, held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
Bowles (8-0-0) won the title last year with a first round knockout over Miguel Angel Torres in a performance considered one of the best of 2009. The fighter has five wins in the WEC and is believed to have the potential to be one of the most dominant fighters of all time. To prove it, he’ll be looking to defeat Dominick Cruz (14-1-0) in his first title defense. “I’m ready to defend my belt. I fought hard to get that title and I want respect,” said Bowles. “This fight is my chance to prove I’m the best bantamweight of the sport,” he added.
Unbeaten since dropping down to the featherweight division in 2007, Dominick Cruz made his career there. He earned his shot at the belt after a decision win over Joseph Benavidez in August 2009. Now he’s eyeing his first world title. “I sacrificed much of my life to get where I am, so winning the title would mean a lot,” he said. “Have you seen how many champions are emotional when they win a title? I think the reason they cry is because they see they are being compensated for all the sacrifice they put in to win the title. The same will happen with me when I win the belt. I will beat Brian Bowles,” warned Cruz.
Adding more excitement to the night, two of the biggest names in MMA are back on the journey to become world champion again. Winner of 17 of his 18 last fights, former featherweight champion Miguel Angel Torres (36-2-0) faces Joseph Benavidez (11-1 -) and former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver (22-12 -1) faces Javier Vazquez (13-3-0). Rounding out the card, Deividas Taurosevicius (12-3-0) faces LC Davis (15-2-0) and Bart Palaszewski (32-13-0) encounters Karen Darabedyan (9-1-0).
Live TV broadcast:
Brian Bowles vs Dominick Cruz
Miguel Torres vs Joseph Benavidez
Javier Vazquez vs Jens Pulver
Deividas Taurosevicius vs LC Davis
Bart Palaszewski vs Karen Darabedyan