Cruz-Jorgensen, Henderson-Pettis Signed for WEC 53

Dominick Cruz file photo: Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com

World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will defend his title against Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen at WEC 53 “Henderson vs. Pettis” on Dec. 12 at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Ariz. The promotion on Monday announced the matchup.

Cruz has run off seven straight victories and is coming off a tough split decision win in his first title defense against rival Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50. Prior to that, the Alliance MMA fighter defeated Brian Bowles to win the title. Known for his hyperactive fighting style, Cruz has twice bested Benavidez and holds seven of his 16 wins by knockout or submission. Cruz’s only loss in the WEC came to former featherweight king Urijah Faber at WEC 26. He started his career 9-0 before being submitted by Faber in the first round of that featherweight title fight.

Jorgensen enters on the strength of five straight wins. The former three-time Pac-10 wrestling champion holds victories over Takeya Mizugaki and Antonio Banuelos; he defeated Brad Pickett at WEC 50. The Boise, Idaho, product is 7-2 since joining the WEC. Fighting out of the Twisted Genetiks camp, Jorgensen’s only defeats in the organization have come at the hands of Banuelos, whom he bested in their rematch, and Damacio Page.

The bantamweight title is not the only strap on the line at WEC 53, however. The matchup between WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis has also been made official.

Henderson is undefeated in the WEC. “Smooth” has won 10 straight fights, including victories over Shane Roller, Donald Cerrone (twice) and former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner. Fighting out of Glendale, Ariz., for the MMA Lab, Henderson will have the home-field advantage come fight night.

Pettis is 4-1 since reaching the WEC, his only loss coming via split decision to the durable Bart Palaszewski at WEC 45 in 2009. Like Henderson, Pettis has defeated Roller, plus Alex Karalexis, Mike Campbell and Danny Castillo during his time with the organization. Coached by kickboxing legend Duke Roufus, Pettis represents the Roufusport team, training alongside UFC competitors Patrick Barry and Alan Belcher in Milwaukee. Pettis will enter the cage having finished three consecutive opponents.