WEC: Bowles vs. Cruz Heads To Columbus, Torres and Pulver Both Return

World Extreme Cagefighting will take its March 6 show to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH where reigning World Bantamweight Champion Brian Bowles will make his first title defense against No. 1-ranked contender Dominick Cruz while former champ Miguel Torres and veteran Jens Pulver make their returns to the cage.  It will be the WEC's first time putting on a show in the Columbus area.

“We are really excited to bring our event to Columbus on the same weekend as The Arnold Sports Festival,” WEC General Manager Reed Harris said. “Knowing that the weekend draws tens of thousands of the sporting world’s best athletes and enthusiasts to Columbus, WEC is proud to present the best of the best in the lighter weight classes in an event that is a ‘can’t miss’ for MMA fans.”

Undefeated Champion Brian Bowles (8-0) is coming off of his biggest win to date in a stunning first round upset over then-champion Miguel Angel Torres this past August. 

He looks to continue his impressive streak of five wins in the WEC all coming by way of stoppage, and hopes to do so with his hometown fans cheering him on.

“I’m from West Virginia originally, which is right across the river from Ohio, so it will be real cool to defend my title there,” Bowles said. “I’m ready to defend my title. Dominick is an elusive fighter and hard to hit, but I think I’ll connect with my punches.

"I’ve worked really hard to get this title and I want people to respect me. This fight is my chance to prove that I’m the best 135-pounder in the sport.”

That same August night that Bowles bested Torres fans watch Dominick Cruz (14-1) score a majority decision over Joseph Benavidez marking his fifth consecutive win since being submitted by fan favorite Urijah Faber back in 2007. 

Cruz, who trains with UFC star Brandon Vera, looks to make the very most of this opportunity.

“I’ve sacrificed a lot in my life to be where I’m at today in this sport,” Cruz said. “So winning the title would mean a lot of hard work coming together. You know how a lot of champions get emotional when they win that belt? I think the reason they are crying is because they see all of the sacrifices they put in to win that belt paying off right then and there.

"The same thing is going to happen to me, and the meaning of it will come together when I win that title. I’m going to beat Brian Bowles.”

As previously mentioned, Bowles' latest victim, Miguel Angel Torres (37-2) looks to get back into the win column after what could be argued as one of 2009's biggest upsets.

And just when we thought he had walked away from the brutal sport Jens "Little Evil" Pulver recently announced that he would return to the cage for at least one more go of it.

“Bowles vs. Cruz has potential to be one of the best title fights of the year,” Harris said. “And I haven’t seen two fighters more hungry to win than Torres and Pulver. This card has the makings of something special. It’s going to be a real treat for fans in Ohio.”

Opponents for Torres and Pulver are expected to be announced in the very near future.  Depending on who they secure to oppose these fighters, WEC fans could be looking forward to a night they won't soon forget.

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