· WEC Announces First Foray Into PPV Set For April 24
World Extreme Cagefighting is taking the next step in organizational growth as plans are underway for the Zuffa owned company to make their pay-per-view debut. The fight card is scheduled for April 24 and will take place at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California.
The Associated Press reports that three main event caliber fights have been scheduled for the broadcast at this point. Urijah Faber will challenge Jose Aldo for the featherweight championship in the evening's main event. Former featherweight champion Mike Brown will face Manny Gamburyan in a bout likely to determine the next opponent for the winner of the main event. Newly crowned Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson will also face Donald Cerrone in a highly anticipated rematch. The two fought late last year in a bout that Henderson won by unanimous decision.
Faber is by far the most recognizable face on the WEC roster and the former champion has been involved in his fair share of championship matches in his career. He lost his belt to Mike Brown in November 2008 and later lost a rematch against Brown, breaking one hand and injuring the other in the process. Faber looks to reclaim his title against the current champion, Jose Aldo, who gained the belt when he defeated Brown in the fall.
Meanwhile, Brown looks to claim the number one contender spot in hopes of either a third bout with Faber or a rematch with Aldo. Gamburyan looks to notch his third straight victory since moving to the WEC from the UFC. Prior to the move, "Manvil" had lost two straight. Beating the former champion Brown will put him right in line for a chance to fight for the title.
WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson earned the title with a win over former champion Jamie Varner, defeating him by guillotine choke in the third round at WEC 46 in January. Henderson has already won a unanimous decision over Cerrone at WEC 43 in October and a second victory would consolidate his status at the top.
The pay-per-view is expected to retail at $44.99. The remaining fight card details have not yet been released. Tickets for Arco Arena will go on sale this Saturday.
