WEC 50 Results: Post-Fight Observations & Repercussions
WEC 50 is officially in the books.
A handful of storylines have started to develop after an exciting night of action from the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas.
Here are a few items to ascertain in hindsight:
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1. The Champ is Here!
After an entertaining 25 minutes of action, the champion, Dominick Cruz, retained his belt after a split decision victory over a very game Joseph Benavidez.
The pair had previously met at WEC 42 with Cruz recording a one sided unanimous decision by punishing him with his reach and recorded takedowns in all three rounds against a seemingly defenseless Benavidez.
It was much tougher tonight, but clearly the same formula. Cruz was unpredictable with his movement and went to his superior wrestling when he needed to punctuate rounds.
Overall, it was fairly even on the feet with both men landing quality punches, knees, and kicks throughout.
A bloodied Cruz, sustained from a clinch knee courtesy of Benavidez, was able to employ his offensive wrestling throughout the second half of the fight and it started to look like déjà vu all over again.
It was a gutsy effort from Benavidez. It was clear he had made improvements since their first matchup, but Cruz has his number. It was only a matter of time before the more dynamic fighter pulled ahead in the sprint.
Once again, it’s hard to ignore the physical limitations of Benavidez at bantamweight. He’s at a very large height and reach disadvantage almost every time he steps in the blue WEC cage. In both losses to Cruz it played a negative role in the outcome.
If and when the WEC starts a flyweight division Benavidez will overtake Jussier Da Silva as the best 125-pound fighter in the world the second he cuts the weight.
2. Pettis Brushes off Judges, Calls out Ben Henderson
Bringing Ben Askren to Milwaukee seems to have helped.
The 23-year-old Pettis showed much improved takedown defense fending off the former three-time NCAA All-American wrestler Shane Roller.
Pettis did a nice job using underhooks when he was pressed against the cage. When he did find himself down he used his hips relatively well and got back to his feet. He even ended up in top position on more than one occasion in scrambles.
As both men faded late in the third, Pettis scored a clean takedown of his own and subsequently avoided a guillotine attempt. In a late scramble, Pettis locked in a triangle choke, and Roller was forced to tap with just seconds remaining in the fight.
The judges would not be needed.
In the post fight interview, Pettis predictably called out current lightweight champion Ben Henderson, who was in attendance.
Expect the pair to throw down later in 2010, likely in December in Phoenix.
3. There’s Another Team Alpha Male Stud in our Midst
Chad Mendes did what he always does—hit takedowns and grind out W’s.
This time it was at the expense of veteran Cub Swanson.
Mendes did a nice job of frustrating Swanson with his offensive wrestling throughout the majority of the 15 minutes.
More importantly, he got more cage time and was able to show noticeable improvement with the technical aspects of his standup game. It was clear he has been putting in the rounds at Ultimate Fitness.
Keep in mind, he still has a long ways to go. He does have deficiencies with his boxing skill set, but none of his opponents including Swanson were able to capitalize as they were all too busy trying to not get steamrolled.
There is no reason to rush Mendes moving forward. Give this man another quality opponent that equates to a lateral move as he continues to round out his skill set.
“Money” is now 3-0 in the WEC as he continues his ascent. Jump on the bandwagon while there’s still room.
4. “Young Guns” Has Dibs
Scott Jorgensen has all but officially propelled himself into his first career title fight after recording a unanimous decision victory over Brad Pickett.
It didn’t come easy.
For 15 minutes, the pair went full speed in an exciting, back and forth affair.
It was likely more competitive than many anticipated; however, Pickett has been a completely different fighter since joining American Top Team. He proved to be a worthy test.
Kudos to WEC matchmaker Sean Shelby for his proactive fireworks forecast.
Pickett stormed out of the gate in the first stanza by dropping Jorgensen with a straight right and punishing him with his hands on numerous occasions, countering low kicks. He was taken down briefly later in the round, but bounced back up fairly quickly and did enough to win the round, in my eyes.
Rounds two and three were at an impasse on the feet. Both men were landing quality, but not significant strikes.
When Jorgensen turned up the heat with his offensive grappling just past the halfway point, the former Boise State wrestling product took control and began dictating the pace.
Multiple takedowns in rounds two and three, coupled with active top control were enough to secure the win for the Idaho native.
Five wins in a row should be more than enough to earn him a return trip to the cage before the end of the year with all the marbles on the line.
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