WEC bantamweight Dominck Cruz will have the opportunity to feel what it’s like to have gold strapped around his waist on Saturday night. That is, if he can defeat unbeaten champion Brian Bowles.
Headlining tomorrow night’s WEC 47 event, Cruz and Bowles will do battle to find out who will sit atop the WEC 135lb division. And though Cruz is facing a man in Bowles who has never lost, and also knocked out former champ Miguel Angel Torres–who was on a 17-fight win streak–the 24-year-old knows a victory will change his life forever.
“I didn’t grow up with much, so I’ve learned to live my life with the bare minimums,” Cruz said. “I grew up in a trailer and didn’t have a lot of nice things. It was about as rough as it gets. This fight gives me a chance to change that. I’m kinda tired of sleeping on hand-me-down mattresses. I’ve been blessed to come this far and overcome all of that. On Saturday, I want all of the sacrifices to pay off.”
Training at Alliance Training Center alongside Brandon Vera and Ed Ratcliffe, Cruz has risen to number-one contender status while remaining unbeaten at 135lbs since dropping to the weight class in 2008. His most recent victory came in August when he defeated Joseph Benavidez at WEC 42 by unanimous decision. However, he doesn’t plan on letting the judges decide the victor this time around.
“I know for a fact that I have power and I know for a fact that I can finish fights,” Cruz stated. “I go into every fight with the mentality to finish my opponent. Brian Bowles is a great opponent. But I’ve prepared myself for everything Brian is going to bring to the table.”
Despite his rough upbringing and various setbacks on his road to the title, Cruz has finally been given the one thing he wants most; simply a chance.
“I try to devote my every waking hour into MMA and into this fight, because my goal is to be a world champion,” stated Cruz. “This is an incredible opportunity for me and I’m ready for everything that comes my way on March 6. I’m ready to stop the fight in the first round. I’m ready to take it five rounds. Wherever it goes, I’m prepared for everything. This is my chance.”
WEC 47 “Bowles vs. Cruz” takes place on Saturday, March 6th and will be televised live on Versus at 10pm ET.
A full listing of the scheduled fights for the event can be found here.
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