WEC division rankings - post WEC 47
A new champion was crowned at WEC 47 in Columbus, Ohio as challenger Dominick Cruz (15-1) handed bantamweight champion Brian Bowles (8-1) the first loss of his career. Cruz not only earned the WEC belt but assumes the crown as top 135 pound fighter in the world with the win.
Taking a look at the WEC divisions following WEC 47, the next challenger to Cruz's belt could be a number of different contenders.
Joseph Benavidez (12-1), who previously dropped at decision to Cruz at WEC 42, has gone from 25 year old prospect to top flight bantamweight challenger in less than 12 months. Benavidez continues to improve his game and looked overpowering in his submission victory over former 135 pound kingpin Miguel Torres (37-3).
Not to be out done former Pac 10 champion wrestler Scott Jorgenson (9-3) put away Chad George (11-5) in 31 seconds via guillotine choke. Jorgenson has now won three consecutive fights since dropping a controversial split decision to Antonio Banuelos (17-5) in June 2009.
Full UFC and WEC Division by Division Standings
Lightweight (155 pound limit)
WEC Champion: Ben Henderson 11-1 - WEC 48 vs. Donald Cerrone 11-2
1. Donald Cerrone 11-2
2. Anthony Njokuani12-2
3. Jamie Varner 16-3
4. Shane Roller 7-2
5. Kamal Shalorus 6-0-1
6. Ed Ratcliff 7-2
7. Bart Palaszweski 34-13
8. Karen Darabedyan 9-2
9. Ricardo Lamas 8-1
10. Anthony Pettis 9-1
Featherweight (145 pound limit)
WEC Champion: Jose Aldo 16-1 - WEC 48 vs. Urijah Faber
1. Mike Brown 23-5
2. Urijah Faber 23-3
3. Manny Gamburyan 10-4
4. Rafael Assuncao 14-2
5. L.C Davis 16-2
6. Josh Grispi 13-1
7. Deividas Taurosevicius 12-4
8. Mackens Semerzier 5-1
9. Diego Nunes 13-1
10. Leonard Garcia 13-5-1
Bantamweight (135 pound limit)
WEC Champion: Dominick Cruz 15-1
1. Joseph Benavidez 12-1
2. Brian Bowles 8-1
3. Scott Jorgenson 9-3
4. Miguel Torres 37-3
5. Damacio Page 12-4
6. Antonio Banuelos 17-5
7. Takeya Mizugaki 12-4-2
8. Charlie Valencia 12-5
9. Rani Yahya 15-5
10. Wagnney Fabiano 13-2