Brian Bowles To Defend Title Against Dominick Cruz at WEC 47

Recently crowned Bantamweight champion Brian Bowles will make his first title defense against Dominick Cruz at WEC 47 “Bowles vs. Cruz” on March 6 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Bowles took the title in a shocking upset from the legendary Miguel Angel Torres with a first-round knockout at WEC 42 in August.

The 29-year-old Georgia native is undefeated in his eight career bouts, which includes wins over Will Ribeiro and Damacio Page.

Cruz earned his title bid with a unanimous decision over Joseph Benavidez at WEC 42 and is undefeated in his last five bouts. The 24-year-old Arizona native trains at the Alliance MMA Training Center with UFC contender Brandon Vera and others in Chula Vista, Calif.

Former WEC champion Torres and favorite Jens Pulver will also be featured on the March 6 card against yet-to-be-named opponents.

The WEC event will take place next door to the 2010 Arnold Sports Festival, which will be held March 4-7 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The Arnold’s three-day Expo attracted 170,000 visitors last year, and that spells excellent ticket sales for WEC 47.