UFC, WEC, WFA: So What's The Deal?

OK, so, unless you have been living under a rock that doesn't get constant news on the MMA scene, you already know the UFC has purchased the WFA & WEC. Fine, ok. But what does this all mean, and what exactly has the UFC gotten out of this?

Well, the first thing they got, was rid of two competitors. Granted, the WEC was a more, minor league, type of promotion. Still, they do have some talent and present the UFC with a smaller circuit that they can grow younger fighters from, and send fighters who need more work (looking at you Joe Riggs). We could see Uriah Faber come up to the UFC if he can make 155lbs. instead of his normal 145. He is an exciting fighter who has long been a fan favorite. WEC also had former UFC fighters, Lodune Sincaid, Terry Martin, Ron Waterman, and re surging heavyweight, Justin Eilers. Mainly, the WEC show is planned to appear on a weekly TV program, along the lines of ESPN's Friday Night Fights, on a smaller cable channel (not yet named) to showcase up and coming fighters.

Great, so what about the WFA? Well my curious little friends, they of course, had Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. The UFC has long wanted to gain his contract so they could rematch him with Chuck Liddell. Fans have begged for this fight for a looong time. First, Quinton Jackson will try to avenge a loss of his own, against Marvin Eastman (included in the deal) on February 3rd. Matt Lindland's contract did not come with the WFA purchase. He is signed with the IFL, and was not included in the deal. UFC also gains "Razor" Rob McCullough, who is a tough 155er, and brilliant striker. Watch for him! How about Ryoto Machida, who gave Rich Franklin his first loss. As well as Ivan Salaverry, a very talented fighter who is close friends with Tito Ortiz. Don't forget Vernon "Tiger" White and Bobby Southworth, wait, go ahead and forget them.

Anywho, the UFC takes out another competitor and gains some good talent as well as more fighters they can immediately throw into the WEC show (which will keep its name by the way). Its a good strategic move, and UFC is still trying to sign some major Pride fighters as well (keep watching, the Cro Cop announcement is coming soon). An interesting note, the UFC can just drop some of the WEC & WFA contracts if they do not want the fighters to save money or for various other reasons. New blood, creates new fights, and hopefully, less rematches. Stay tuned, and watch for the new recruits to pop up soon on UFC shows.