The final WEC production produced everything that MMA represents. There were great knock-outs accompanied by crisp striking skills, amazing chain wrestling transitions balanced out by the beauty of clean jiu-jitsu, and powerful hands matched by the evolution of good footwork and movement. The MMA world could not have asked for a better end to the WEC’s greatly appreciated nine year existence.
There were a ton of high expectations coming into Thursday night’s final WEC card, held at the Jobbing.com Center in Glendale, Arizona. The night was highlighted by two magnificent title fights and a surplus of knock out power. WEC President Reed Harris stated in the post-fight press conference that tonight “was one of the best events we’ve ever put on”. He went on to say, “These guys always come through, and tonight was the pinnacle of that”. There was no arguing with his words. The card was packed with top WEC talent, which can now officially be claimed as UFC talent.
WEC 53 Official Results:
MAIN CARD
- Anthony Pettis def. champ Benson Henderson via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – claims WEC lightweight title
- Champ Dominick Cruz def. Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) – defends WEC title and becomes first-ever UFC bantamweight champ
- Donald Cerrone def. Chris Horodecki via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 2:43
- Kamal Shalorus def. Bart Palaszewski via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Danny Downes def. Tiequan Zhang via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
- Shane Roller def. Jamie Varner via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:55
- Brad Pickett def. Ivan Menjivar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Eddie Wineland def. Ken Stone via knockout (slam) – Round 1, 2:11
- Danny Castillo def. Will Kerr via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
- Yuri Alcantara def. Ricardo Lamas via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:26
- Renan Barao def. Chris Cariaso via submission via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:47
