UFC to absorb WEC, will add two new weight classes

World Extreme Cagefighting has constantly fought for recognition in a mixed martial arts world dominated by its parent company, the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

WEC's search for an identity of its own will officially end in January when the two organizations become one, UFC president Dana White announced Thursday.

"It's time," White said during a teleconference. "As we continue to grow globally, we're doing enough fights to fold (the WEC) into the UFC. It's always been in the cards to grow this sport and add every weight class."

Former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, one of the most popular fighters in the organization, thinks the move will clear up a lot of confusion among fans.

"I'm stoked. No more explaining to people why I'm not in the UFC. A lot of people always think I'm in the UFC anyway because they've done such a good job branding," Faber said in a video posted on his website. "The whole time it's been the same company, (but we're) finally going to be under the same banner, which means bigger opportunities, more exposure and less misunderstanding."

WEC has a roster of about 70 fighters and just three weight classes -- bantamweight (135 pounds), featherweight (145) and lightweight (155).

Currently, the UFC's lowest weight class is lightweight. The 155-pound classes will merge, and the two other WEC weight classes will be added to the UFC for the first time, increasing the number of UFC divisions to seven.

"It's a great thing for the fighters in that now they are going to compete on the biggest stage in the world," said WEC general manager Reed Harris, who confirmed that all employees will be retained. "We, as a company, had such dynamic events and such great fights it just made sense at this point to roll these guys into the UFC and allow them to compete at that level."

WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo instantly becomes the UFC featherweight champion and will defend his title against a still-unnamed opponent at UFC 125 on Jan. 1 at the MGM Grand Garden.

The two WEC cards scheduled before the end of the year will go on as planned, including an event at the Palms on Nov. 11.

The winner of the WEC bantamweight title bout between Scott Jorgensen and champion Dominick Cruz at the WEC event Dec. 16 in Glendale, Ariz., will become the first UFC bantamweight champ.

Ben Henderson's lightweight title will be on the line against Anthony Pettis on the same card. The winner will take on the winner of the UFC lightweight title match between Las Vegan Gray Maynard and champion Frankie Edgar to unify the titles.

White said four UFC cards will be televised by Versus in 2011.

Both organizations are owned by Zuffa but have been operated as separate companies since WEC was acquired in December 2006.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.