By FCF Staff Last night Dominick Cruz took the first step in entrenching his legacy as the World Extreme Cagefighting Bantamweight Champion, as the 16-1 worked his way to a Split Decision win over an extremely game Joseph Benavidez, to defend his title for the first time. Fighting at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cruz utilized his unorthodox striking and takedowns, to edge past Benavidez in what was a thrilling and entertaining tilt. With the loss, Benadvidez sees his record fall to 12-2.
In the card’s co-main event, which would determine the promotion’s top lightweight contender, Shane Roller’s renowned wrestling game surprisingly was not a deciding factor in his battle with Anthony Pettis. Not only did Pettis stuff Roller’s takedowns, throughout much of the memorable fight, the Milwaukee fighter was able to put the former NCAA wrestling champ on his back. Although Roller was able to survive on his feet against the talented and dynamic striker, the well rounded Pettis brought the fight to an end with just 9 seconds remaining, by catching Roller with a game ending triangle-choke.
Here are the complete results for WEC 50:
Dominick Cruz def. Joseph Benavidez via Split Decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)
Anthony Pettis def. Shane Roller via Submission (triangle choke) R3, 4:51
Chad Mendes def. Cub Swanson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Scott Jorgensen def. Brad Pickett via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bart Palaszewski def. Zach Micklewright via TKO (punches) R2, 0:31
Maciej Jewtuszko def. Anthony Njokuani via TKO (punches) R1, 1:35
Javier Vazquez def. Mackens Semerzier via Submission (rear-naked choke) R2, 1:35
Ricardo Lamas def. Dave Jansen via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fredson Paixao def. Bryan Caraway via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Danny Castillo def. Dustin Poirier via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
