WEC AIMS TO BE ALTERNATIVE TO UFC.

Byline: JAMES MELROY Staff Writer

When it was announced this December that Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, had purchased World Extreme Cagefighting, it was widely perceived that the smaller organization based in Lemoore would become a feeder system for the more established brand.

But recent developments suggest that won't be the case and, in fact, the WEC may become a viable alternative to UFC.

``World Extreme Cagefighting will continue to put on the best fights in the world,'' said Scott Adams, the founder and general manager of WEC. ``We have the best talent in the world in all of our weight divisions. I think fans will be entertained by what we have to offer.''

On Jan. 20, the WEC held its first event under the Zuffa banner, and it was obvious by the atmosphere inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas that the organization is focused on attracting the younger end of the male 18-40 demographic.

The lighting was set at a nightclub level and a DJ played music between bouts to keep the fans in attendance entertained. The small arena, which holds 1,000, was sold out, and ticket prices ranged from $50 to $225.

The company also has a television deal in place with Versus Network, which also airs NHL games and boxing events. The network will air six one-hour highlight shows and three two-hour live specials beginning this summer.

Atmosphere and television deals aside, the most important aspect to building a successful company will be the success of the fighters. Leading the way in that department is featherweight champion Urijah Faber. Nicknamed ``The California Kid,'' the Davis native sports a 17-1 record.

``I go out and try to put on a good show and stand up,'' Faber said. ``Even though I have a strong wrestling background, I always go out there trying to stand and give the fans what they want to see and do something spectacular. When it gets taken to the ground, usually it's because of my opponent. I don't mind, because I'm confident in my ground game, but I like to put on a show and let the fans leave happy.''

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Urijah Faber, left, is 17-1 in WEC events.

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