WEC 50: Joseph Benavidez Won't Underestimate Dominick Cruz This Time Around
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Cruz danced and dodged throughout the 25-minute affair, scored timely takedowns and eked out a split decision over Joseph Benavidez in the WEC 50 "Cruz vs. Benavidez 2" headliner on Wednesday at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Two of the three judges sided with the champion by 48-47 and 49-46 scores; a third scored it 48-47 for Benavidez.
"I just concentrated on doing what I do best: staying hard to hit," said Cruz, who defeated Benavidez by unanimous decision the first time the two met. "Obviously, it didn't work out too well in all the exchanges, but that's five rounds and I don't look too bad I suppose."
In a tactical bout that was not short on action, the world-ranked challenger provided Cruz with a stern test. The first three rounds were almost too close to call, highlighted by a beautiful flying knee from Cruz and some crisp counterpunching from Benavidez. Dealing with a cut near his hairline, the Team Alpha Male rep appeared to break the Cruz's nose and opened a nasty lateral gash across its bridge with a knee from the clinch in the fourth round. Blood spilled from the wound, but Cruz pressed the action and scored the fourth of his five takedowns in the match.
