More bouts added for WEC

There will be 10 cage-fighting bouts at the Covelli Centre on Sept. 2.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The full complement of bouts for the Sept. 2 World Extreme Cagefighting event at the Covelli Centre has been set.

The night is highlighted by the main event — Donald Cerrone and Ben Henderson for the interim lightweight (155) championship.

Last weekend the lightweight bout between Alex Karalexis and Anthony Pettis was announced.

Eight other fights are on the card.

“This card is going to be a real treat for fans in Youngstown,” said WEC founder and general manager Reed Harris.

“It is loaded with some of the best lighter weight fighters in the world and I guarantee these fights deliver. You have established veterans like Alex Karalexis, Rich Crunkilton, and Wagnney Fabiano competing, as well as rising stars such as Anthony Pettis, Damacio Page, and Dave Jansen. I’m really excited to bring this card to Youngstown.”

Crunkilton, also a lightweight sporting an 18-2-0 record, will take on Dave Jansen, while Fabiano (12-1-0), a featherweight (145 pounds) will take on Erik Koch.

Jansen and Koch will be making their WEC debuts.

“Both Cerrone and Henderson attended the historic UFC 100 in Las Vegas in July and were swarmed by fans,” Harris said.

“The fight fans are really fired up about this title fight. There have been some great fights in Youngstown over the years. This one might just end up being the best.”

Harris also hinted at a special announcement forthcoming.

“I’m going to have some huge news to announce later this week,” Harris said. “It’s really going to make our event at the Covelli Centre a can’t miss for fans. This won’t just be a night of fights. This will be the ultimate MMA experience.”

Tickets for the show are on sale and priced from $25-$125. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Covelli Centre box office.

Purchases can also be made at Covelli Centre retail locations, including Giant Eagle and Macy’s stores in the Youngstown area. Tickets also are available online through www.wec.tv or www.ticketmaster.com.

There will be a WEC show on Versus (which will also televise the Youngstown show) Sunday from Las Vegas, starting at 6 p.m.

The featured bout is a bantamweight fight between Miguel Torres and Brian Bowles.

UFC star Frank Mir, who in the feature match against Brock Lesner on that circuit’s 100th show in Las Vegas on July 11, will be one of the television commentators at the Covelli Centre show.