MMA: Brian Bowles Believes WEC 47 Is Perfect Scenario Against Dominick Cruz

Brian Bowles never intended to get serious about mixed martial arts.

But four years after signing up, Bowles has transitioned himself from amateur classes to one of the Top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world.

Bowles (8-0) exploded on the world of MMA three years ago when he dominated WEC veteran Charlie Valencia. He then followed suit by knocking out talented Brazilian Marcos Galvao in just his fifth fight.

Bowles continued his undefeated streak by producing submission victories in consecutive bouts over Damacio Page and Will Ribeiro within a four month time span. Having went 4-0 with all four bouts ending by submission or knockout, Bowles earned himself a high profile fight against then champion Miguel Torres.

At the time, Torres was on a red-hot 17-fight win streak and was considered to be one of the top pound for pound fighters in the sport. Entering the bout, Torres was the clear favorite to retain the Bantamweight title and push the streak to eighteen.

In an instant, that all changed when Bowles floored Torres with a counter right three minutes and 57 seconds into the first round.

Bowles, a product of the Hardcore Gym in Athens, GA, told Bleacher Report he initially began training for enjoyment.

“I just started doing it as a hobby, I had a full-time job, and I joined the hardcore gym. I started taking amateur classes, then I started taking amateur and local fights, then had the opportunity to go the WEC and it kind of escalated to the point it’s at now.”

Escalate it did, as Bowles had only been competing inside of the WEC for 26 months when he shocked the world and became the king of the Bantamweight division.

Having finished all eight of his opponents via knockout or submission, the 135lb. champion believes much of his success is because he has strong physical and mental preparation.

“The better physical shape I’m in, the better mental shape I’m in. I know I just have to keep pushing myself, and if I’m there physically then I’ll be there mentally.”

With hard work and preparation in mind, it is the whole lifestyle that keeps the WEC champion enjoying fighting while he is at the pinnacle of the sport.

“I really just enjoy training. I just enjoy this whole lifestyle and all the people you meet. I really enjoy the physical part of it, being able to push myself and being able to go out there to fight. It’s sort of a big adrenaline rush to get out there and do all of that. There’s a lot of things I like about fighting.”

With training in mind, Bowles suffered a broken left hand while dethroning Torres. However, the break did not require surgery, and he feels that the injury has not affected training for his first title defense.

“No surgery. I would’ve been back earlier if I wouldn’t have broken my hand. I just had to cast it up and let it rest. It doesn’t affect me now. When I box really hard, I pad it up just to give myself that extra protection. I’ve been to the doctor and I’m at 100%. But I don’t try not to risk it when I box. I won’t take the chance of hitting an elbow. As far as grappling and stuff like that, it really doesn’t bother me.”

At full health, he now makes his first title defense on March 6 at WEC 47 in Columbus, Oh. WEC 47 not only marks Bowles first bout since being champion, it also holds a bit of sentimental value as he was born in the neighboring state of West Virginia.

He believes the event is just perfect for him.

“You know that’s perfect for me, I have a lot of family in Ohio and WV. Most of my family still lives there. I’m the only one that moved to Georgia. It’ll be really cool to be able to fight near them, and maybe have them come watch me. It’s a cool opportunity and really the only place I’ve been able to fight is Vegas. So I’ve wanted to fight in other places.”

That title defense comes against the highly respected Dominick Cruz (14-1).

Cruz comes into the bout fresh off a victory over Joseph Benavidez, whom he defeated the same very night that Bowles captured the championship. Cruz dropped Benavidez momentarily in the first minute of the fight and controlled the rest of the fight combining superior striking with quick takedowns.

In Cruz, Bowles realizes the challenges his opponent brings into the fight. However, he believes he just has to do what he normally does and follow the game plan set in place.

“I think I just have to go out there and do what I normally do. Have a good game plan and execute my game plan. He’s a really tricky fighter. He’s hard to hit and he doesn’t like to be hit. He’s a pretty good wrestler and he’s similar to me. I’m more of a power striker, and he’s more of a point striker. I believe I just have to be patient and pick my shots. I’m going to beat him.”