3 years ago, the majority of people said UFC lightweights were much better than their WEC counterparts.
We saw too many threads made on the topic three-four years ago all the way up to their debut in the UFC.
In Dec 2010, the world saw one of the most entertaining bouts in recent years: Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis. The last WEC fight would be for the Lightweight championship, and it was absolute back and forth fireworks. Pettis would edge Benson out to take the championship and hold the distinction of being the last reigning WEC champion in history.
I remember the threads. I remember all the talk about how Pettis and Benson would never break Top 5 in the UFC's division, let alone maintain position in the Top 10. I was skeptical as well, I'll admit. But the amount of trash talk this forum saw was incredible..
In 2011, Pettis, Benson and the rest of the WEC roster came into the UFC with something to prove. Pettis would hit a block in Guida, and Benson would slowly work his way up the ladder, with doubt STILL covering these forums more than hope. The other WEC fights would trade even wins and losses with the UFC's roster.
Fast forward to present day. Four of WEC's top LWs in Varner, Cerrone, Pettis and Henderson are holding their own against the UFC's elite. And two of those names fought their way through the UFC's elite and our now set to fight for a championship again. But this time, it isn't a rematch for the WEC Lightweight championship. It is for the championship few thought either would ever be mentioned in the same category with.
Ladies and gentleman, it is for the UFC's Lightweight Championship.
You want the definition of irony? Here it is:
And as wrong as I was three years ago, I couldn't be any happier today.
