Jorgensen-Cruz, Pettis-Henderson set for WEC 53
A lightweight title battle between challenger Anthony Pettis and champion Ben Henderson will headline WEC 53, put on by World Extreme Cagefighting. WEC officials announced the bout Monday afternoon. In the
co-main event slot, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will have to defend his belt against Scott Jorgensen. The event is taking place in Glendale, Arizona, after fans in the Phoenix area won a competition to have the UFC bring a card to their town.
“Arizona deserved a card like this after winning the Amp Energy Hometown Takedown contest,” WEC general manager Reed Harris said on the WEC’s website. “Fans in the Phoenix market voted for over two months
and beat out 30 other cities to bring WEC to their area. Now, we are bringing fans two awesome title fights to Jobing.com Arena. Glendale’s Ben Henderson will face the stiffest test of his career in Anthony Pettis. Plus, Cruz-Jorgensen has the chance to be
one of the greatest bantamweight title fights of all time. We cannot wait for this event in Glendale.”
Somewhat surprising is that the lightweight (155lb) title fight will be headlining the card while the bantamweight (135lb) fight will be in the co-headlining spot. While the WEC’s 135 and 145lb divisions
are considered the best in the world, the WEC’s 155lb division is generally considered second-rate, with the best 155lbers in the world fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championships, the WEC’s sister promotion.
Cruz has not yet defended his title, and will have to do against a tough test in Jorgensen, who comes in on a five-fight win streak, including a recent victory over Brad Pickett to earn his shot at the belt.
Cruz took the title away from Joseph Benavidez.
Henderson meanwhile is coming off of his first successful title defence, against Donald Cerrone. Pettis comes in on a three-fight win streak, but will likely be a heavy underdog.
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