WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis Preview

Fans of World Extreme Cagefighting had their say and now an event of epic proportions on the MMA scale is heading to Phoenix as part of AMP Energy’s “Hometown Takedown” promotion. The promotion allowed fans to vote on which city would be awarded with a WEC event and the winner was Phoenix, which will host WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis from the Jobing.com Arena.

The fight card is stacked from top to bottom with the main attraction being two championship bouts, headlined by the WEC Lightweight Championship fight between champion Ben Henderson and challenger Anthony Pettis. Henderson (12-1) is looking to defend his belt for the second time as he is coming off a first round submission win over Donald Cerrone at WEC 48. Henderson has won his last 10 fights, seven of which came by submission. Pettis (12-1) is contending for the title for the first time in his career after winning three straight, including a third-round submission win over grappling specialist Shane Roller at WEC 50. Pettis is a unique striker that mixes a variety of punches, kicks and knees, and is always entertaining to watch.

In the other championship bout, WEC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will defend his title against top contender Scott Jorgensen. Cruz (16-1) is defending his title for the second time after winning a unanimous decision over Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50. Cruz is a winner of seven straight as his speed and mobility have been difficult for opponents to deal with. Jorgensen (11-3) is contending for the title for the first time. He is a winner of five straight fights, which earned him a shot at Cruz. Jorgensen is a compact fighter that has good striking but even better wrestling ability. He will look to ground Cruz to take away his mobility.

One lucky MMA fan will have the opportunity to witness this marquee event live and in person as AMP Energy is providing two tickets and free airfare to the show as part of the AMP Energy Hometown Takedown giveaway. The lucky winner will also walk out to the cage with Anthony Pettis as he prepares to challenge Henderson for the WEC Lightweight title and have dinner with fellow MMA fighter Urijah Faber. Even better? Pettis is going to announce the winner of the contest live, on-air during WEC: Faber vs. Mizugaki on Versus, November 11.

Head on over to the official contest page to find out how to enter, and then be sure to tune in to WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis on Versus on December 16th!

  

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AMP Energy and the WEC launch the “Hometown Takedown” competition

If it seems like the good fights never come to your city, now’s your chance to do something about it. AMP Energy and the WEC are sponsoring the Hometown Takedown, a competition that will allow consumers to choose where the next great WEC event happens. AMP Energy proudly sponsors the best WEC fighters, including Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes and Joseph Benavidez. With more than 30 eligible areas across the country, it should be easy to find a kickass location to see your favorite fighter in your hometown. Just in case there’s nothing close, or in case your city doesn’t win, they’ve got you covered. AMP Energy has partnered with the WEC to offer an all-expense-paid trip to see the Hometown Takedown.

Today we’re premiering the new spot above featuring Faber, Mendes and Benavidez. Urijah Faber is thrilled to be a part of it. “I’ve always said I’ll fight anyone, anywhere – and now I’ll get a chance to with the help of MMA fans nationwide. My partners at AMP Energy created the ‘Hometown Takedown’ contest which gives MMA fans in 30 cities across the county an opportunity to bring a fight to their hometown this December. No question, we’re giving fans unprecedented access to the sport and athletes while raising the awareness of the WEC on a national scale. MMA fans just need to get involved and vote often for their area.”

Pat Santangelo, Assistant Marketing Manager for AMP Energy, said, “I’m not sure if the ‘Hometown Takedown’ is the first time a major sport has allowed the fans to decide where an event will take place, but I can’t think of another instance. With the help the fans and our partners at WEC, Hess, Maverik, and Versus, AMP Energy is going to bring the best MMA fighters to the most hardcore fans, wherever they are.”

Voting is simple. You can cast a ballot for your hometown on the web or by texting your vote to a secret number, available only at Hess and Maverik stores across the country. Those who vote will be automatically entered to win the event package, representing either Hess or Maverik for the world’s fans. This is your chance to bring the WEC to your backyard. Get the word out, and get voting!