WEC blows through UIC Pavilion in Chicago on April 5; Tickets on sale soon

by James Iannotti on Feb 10, 2009 6:52 PM EST

World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) today officially announced its plans for WEC 40: "Torres vs. Bowles," which is scheduled to take place at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., on April 5.

It will mark the first trip for the promotion to the "Windy City," as well as a homecoming of sorts for WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres (35-1).

"Angel" is a graduate of nearby Purdue University in Indiana. He paid his way through college fighting on the underground mixed martial arts scene throughout the region, establishing a cult-like following and a reputation to take on all comers, regardless of size.

Accordingly, Torres is set to headline the show and will defend his 135-pound strap against undefeated four-fight WEC veteran Brian Bowles (7-0). This will be his third title defense for Torres since the Chicago resident captured the crown with a first round submission win over Chase Beebe in February 2008.

In the other match made official, former featherweight standout Jeff Curran (31-9-1) will make his bantamweight debut in a number one contender eliminator match against the training partner of Urijah Faber, Joseph Benavidez (9-0).

Benavidez is coming off a unanimous decision win over Danny Martinez in his promotional debut at WEC 37: "Torres vs. Tapia" last December. He recorded three other wins in 2008 over Junya Kudo, Maurice Eazel and Jason Georgianna, each by submission.

Tickets for WEC 40: "Torres vs. Bowles" are set to go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. CT. To check out the latest WEC fight card and rumors click here.

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Comments

Does anyone think Big Frog has a chance? I just don’t see it.

by NameNotRequired on Feb 10, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions

Torres is the best pound for pound in the world.

by iagoof22 on Feb 10, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions

After Fedor

by BK on Feb 10, 2009 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

I’m going with Torres. 27 yrs old, I think Fedor will loose a fight before Torres does. There is NO-ONE close to his wieght that can take him.

by iagoof22 on Feb 10, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions

come on goof, the guy is fighting in the WEC, how can you say hes better then fedor?

by brendan on Feb 10, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions

Where else is there? He’s 135 Lbs. Are you trying to tell me he’s not fighting some of the best little guys in the world? The WEC is where the best bantamweights go. Fedor is starting to win me over, I like him, and he may be the BEST! But Torres is underrated.

by iagoof22 on Feb 10, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions