The first full week in August was described by Dave Sholler of the WEC as “the biggest fight week of the summer”. On August 8, UFC 101 will commence featuring a lightweight title fight between B.J. Penn and Kenny Florian, as well as Anderson Silva’s return to the 205 pound weight class to face fan-favorite Forrest Griffin.
However, to justify the claim set forth by Sholler, and so many others, there has to be something else to go along with the stacked UFC card set for Pennsylvania, and there is.
One night after UFC 101: Declaration airs live on pay-per-view, the WEC will put forth yet another promising card, featuring a bantamweight title bout between Miguel Torres and Brian Bowles.
Taking place immediately after the UFC 101 media conference call earlier this week, the WEC put on their own, as Bowles and Torres commented on their upcoming bout.
Brian Bowles has gained his title shot after only seven professional fights. Although he stated, “Ideally you would like to have more fights (before a title shot),” Bowles is ready for the challenge and believes he deserves the opportunity.
“I took some tough fights with some experienced guys,” said Bowles. “They were tough opponents, and I won handily. I didn’t go to a decision.”
His opponent, however, is not just another tough or experienced guy. Miguel Torres’ fight record consists of only one loss, accompanied by 37 victories. Bowles realizes what it means to fight one of the greatest in the world for the WEC bantamweight championship.
“It’s going to be an honor to fight for the belt,” he stated. “It’s an honor to fight against Miguel.”
Torres, who enters this fight on a seventeen fight win streak, is undoubtedly confident in his ability. However, the champion seemed to notice that his opponent boasted a similar level of confidence, and was glad to see it.
“I’m happy that Brian’s very confident,” stated Torres. “It’s gonna make for a very great and a very exciting fight.”
Torres is surely correct in his assessment of the fight. It should be great, it should be exciting. However, it will also be the greatest challenge ever set before Brian Bowles, as Miguel Torres will once again defend his 135 pound belt.
“I’ve been in the game long enough,” said Torres. “I can smell fear, can smell doubt.”
“I’m the biggest test of his life.”
