In this article, we will further explore the topic of WEC 53, a topic that has captured the attention of academics, professionals, and enthusiasts alike in recent years. Since its emergence, WEC 53 has aroused great interest in various fields, generating debates and reflections that have contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in areas such as science, technology, culture and society in general. Throughout these pages, we will immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of WEC 53, analyzing its different facets, its impact and its relevance in the current context. From its origins to its possible future developments, we will embark on a journey of discovery and understanding that will allow us to appreciate the importance and potential of WEC 53 in the contemporary world.
WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis | ||||
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![]() The poster for WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis | ||||
Promotion | World Extreme Cagefighting | |||
Date | December 16, 2010 | |||
Venue | Jobing.com Arena | |||
City | Glendale, Arizona | |||
Attendance | 6,348[1] | |||
Event chronology | ||||
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WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting that took place on December 16, 2010 at Jobing.com Arena in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, Arizona.[2] The event was the first time that Zuffa has hosted an event in Arizona. This was the final WEC event, due to the merger with the UFC.
This was the final WEC event before merging with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2011.[3]
This event was unique in that the WEC and AMP Energy allowed fans to choose the location of the event.[4] The fans were given 30 options and the finalists were Milwaukee, Nashville and Phoenix. During the live telecast of WEC 50, Phoenix was announced as the winner of the contest.[5]
Maciej Jewtuszko was expected to face Ricardo Lamas at this event.[6] However, Jewtuszko had to withdraw as he suffered a broken hand during training.[7] Jewtuszko was replaced by WEC newcomer Iuri Alcântara.[8]
This event was named Sherdog's 2010 Event of the Year.[9]
The event drew an average of 615,000 viewers on Versus.[10]
The winner of the WEC Lightweight Championship fight between reigning champion Benson Henderson and challenger Anthony Pettis was scheduled to face the winner of the UFC 125 Frankie Edgar (C) vs. Gray Maynard title fight in order to unify the WEC and UFC lightweight championships. However, the Edgar/Maynard fight ended in a draw necessitating a UFC 136 rematch (which Edgar won). Though Anthony Pettis won the final WEC lightweight title bout, defeating Henderson via unanimous decision, he opted not to wait for the winner of Edgar/Maynard rematch and instead fought Clay Guida at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale, losing by unanimous decision and negating his promised title shot (though he would win the UFC Lightweight Championship in his own right over Henderson in August 2013.)
The winner of the Bantamweight Championship fight between reigning champion Dominick Cruz and challenger Scott Jorgensen determined both the final WEC Bantamweight Champion and the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Champion.[11] This is the only UFC title fight to ever take place on another promotion's card, and the first UFC title bout to air on free television since UFC 75 in July 2007. Cruz defeated Jorgensen via unanimous decision to retain his title and become the new UFC champion.
Main card | |||||||
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Weight class | Method | Round | Time | Notes | |||
Lightweight | Anthony Pettis | def | Benson Henderson (c) | Decision (unanimous) (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) | 5 | 5:00 | [a] |
Bantamweight | Dominick Cruz (c) | def | Scott Jorgensen | Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 50–45, 50–45) | 5 | 5:00 | [b] |
Lightweight | Donald Cerrone | def | Chris Horodecki | Submission (triangle choke) | 2 | 2:43 | |
Lightweight | Kamal Shalorus | def | Bart Palaszewski | Decision (split) (30–27, 28–29, 29–28) | 3 | 5:00 | |
Preliminary card | |||||||
Lightweight | Danny Downes | def | Zhang Tiequan | Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 30–27, 29–28) | 3 | 5:00 | |
Lightweight | Shane Roller | def | Jamie Varner | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 3:55 | |
Bantamweight | Brad Pickett | def | Ivan Menjivar | Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) | 3 | 5:00 | |
Bantamweight | Eddie Wineland | def | Ken Stone | KO (slam) | 1 | 2:11 | |
Lightweight | Danny Castillo | def | Will Kerr | KO (punches) | 1 | 1:25 | |
Lightweight | Iuri Alcântara | def | Ricardo Lamas | KO (punches) | 1 | 3:26 | |
Bantamweight | Renan Barão | def | Chris Cariaso | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 3:47 |
Fighters were awarded $10,000 bonuses.[12]