Thoughts on WEC's Final Event

So tonight marks the end of the WEC's 9 1/2 year run as UFC's little, less-important sister. The promotion's Bantam and Feather divisions will be joining the UFC weight ranks in early 2011, and the Lightweight champ will face-off against the UFC's Lightweight champ, which will most likely be borefest, lay N pray extraordinaire Gray Maynard. As I sit here watching the event, there are a few things that come to mind.

1. Even when fights go to a decision, they're still fucking epic. I just love the energy shown by the lower weights, and I think the UFC casual fans will grow to really appreciate the wars these guys go through EACH time they fight.

2. I'm not a "Cowboy" Cerrone fan. In fact, I really can't stand the guy. But his opponent tonight kinda got on my nerves, and he's American, so I had no choice. Cerrone really impressed me with some great guard work, including tons of transitions from armbars, to omoplatas, to triangles and back. It was a little weird that he couldn't finish a locked-up triangle for a minute or two, because even if the arm is wrapped around the thigh (in defense) you can still finish it. But I'm just a white belt, so maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about...

3. I never was able to warm up to Dominick Cruz. I think it's because I've always been a *huge* fan of Torres, and when he lost the belt to Bowles and then Bowles lost to Cruz, I felt like Cruz didn't prove his worth against Torres, if that makes sense. Maybe if he beat Torres decisively I'd respect him more, but I don't know. Regardless, I have to give it up to Cruz for some great boxing, possibly some of the best stand-up games I've seen in MMA. He exhibited some slick footwork and head-movement, and his willingness to trade in the pocket was admirable. He even showed off some head motion that was reminiscent of Silva/Griffin. On top of this, he mixed it up to the extreme. I mean, damn! Kicks, strikes, bodyshots, takedowns -- he really kept Jorgenson guessing and created some frustration that ultimately pushed the fight in his favor. Apparently he wants Faber now, which should be awesome.

4. Pettis is the man. I really don't like Ben Henderson. He's almost too much of a nice guy that it's nauseating. On top of this, I despise fighters who thank Jesus for the ability and opportunity to hurt another living thing. I'm all for beating the pulp out of someone, but don't thank Jesus for it, asshole. Plus he throws up that stupid fucking illuminati sign. Anyway, Pettis is always exciting (such an understatement!), and I would love to see his freakishly active and creative style of fighting (and guard, especially) against Gray N Pray for the UFC Unified Lightweight Title. Some notes on the final WEC match:

- Bendo has some huge thighs. Seriously, no homo, but as a guy I have to just say "wow, I wish my thighs were that epic". As a whole, the guy is one of the most in-shape and strong fighters in MMA. Some people are just blessed with a beautifully proportional body, and Bendo was just ripped. Unfortunately for him (and much to my enjoyment as a man who loves himself some technical fighting), sheer athleticism isn't enough against a guy who has the creativity and technical ability of "Showtime" Pettis. 

- This match should be a solid contender for Fight of the Year, and most certainly FotN. Great striking, takedowns, reversals, KICKS, and a fucking Rear-Naked Choke war. Both guys had some terrific submission defense, and both worked well to make the most of their own situation. 

- Showtime's kick should get an award. I think "Kick of the Year" would be a good award to give out. This shit was just a jaw-dropping matrix move, and definitely the craziest thing I've ever seen inside the cage -- and I watch *a lot* of MMA. Props for a great fight, and fuck Ben Henderson for comments such as "well the judges gave it to him" with a smug look on his face. Give some credit, dude. You put up a good fight, but in the end, you got served!

- Pettis proves that Tae Kwon Do isn't a completely worthless McDojo "art".

Can't wait to see these guys inside the UFC cage. And I really hope the size difference doesn't affect the craziness of the fights.