Host Kenda Perez discusses tonight's 'Best of WEC' debut on FOX Sports 1

As a reminder, “Best of WEC,” a new six-part series that spotlights some of the greatest fights in the organization’s history, debuts tonight on FOX Sports 1.

The one-hour show starts at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Kenda Perez, who previously hosted “Best of PRIDE,” serves as host. The first season will feature six episodes, and on Wednesday, Perez told MMAjunkie Radio that a second six-episode season already has been filmed.

Perez said “Best of WEC” should be a good fit for current UFC fans.

“I love PRIDE, and I loved representing that for the three years we did that,” Perez told MMAjunkie Radio. “But it’s definitely exciting to move on and to be doing something else, and talking about these fighters who are more current and active in the UFC right now.”

During its 10-year run, the WEC put on 53 events, mostly in California and Nevada, and often to rave reviews. Zuffa purchased the organization in 2006 and initially operated the WEC as a separate organization. In time, though, the WEC’s heavier weight classes were absorbed into the UFC, and following a final show in December 2010, the promotion closed its doors for good and moved all its top talent to the UFC.

The merger still has lasting effects today. UFC champions Demetrious Johnson, Renan Barao, Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis – as well as perennial contenders such as Urijah Faber, Carlos Condit, Benson Henderson, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez and Donald Cerrone – all came into prominence with the WEC, which had broadcast deals with Versus (now NBC Sports Network) and HDNet (now AXS TV).

Perez also believes the show will cater to newer fans of the sport.

“I think the die-hard MMA fans are in love with PRIDE. PRIDE has a huge following, and I always got lots of response on social media and in person at events, how much they loved PRIDE – and even some of the old rules,” she said. “But for the newer MMA fans who are just getting to know the fighters and the sport, I think ‘Best of WEC’ – they’re going to relate to that more, and that’s pretty cool.”

FOX Sports 1 will dig into the archives for its “Best of WEC” series. The tentative schedule includes:

• “Best of WEC” 101: Some of the biggest names in MMA showcase their skills inside the WEC octagon in this all-star edition.
• “Best of WEC” 102: From one-punch knockouts to skillful submissions, witness some of the most memorable finishes in WEC history.
• “Best of WEC” 103: Watch three classic bantamweight and featherweight fights from the WEC that prove that bigger isn’t always badder.
• “Best of WEC” 104: WEC’s lighter-weight fighters were known for their nonstop cardio and action that looked like it was unfolding in fast-forward. See three of these memorable brawls.
• “Best of WEC” 105: See great fights from the members of Sacramento’s Team Alpha Male: Faber, Mendez, Benavidez and Danny Castillo.
• “Best of WEC” 106: Journey back to WEC 53 for two memorable lightweight fights: Henderson vs. Pettis and Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki.

(Pictured: Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis)