WEC MERGING WITH UFC IN 2011

The long-rumored merger of the WEC and UFC is finally happening. Dana White confirmed the news to Ariel Helwani and Vs.

“The timing was right,” White said. “The reality is, we purchased the WEC, we started getting these lighter weight guys exposure on television, sending them around the country and arenas. Now, as the UFC continues to grow globally and we’re doing more and more fights, now it makes sense to bring in those lighter weight classes.

“We’re going to add more fights every year and add more countries, more television networks in different countries. So now it makes sense.”

Also interesting from the article was a the mention of Jose Aldo.

“The UFC president also confirmed that the organization offered Aldo a 155-pound fight against Kenny Florian, but for unknown reasons, Aldo turned it down.

“It depends on what he wants,” White said on whether Aldo’s future will be at lightweight or featherweight. “You know, if he wants a few more fights there and then maybe try to move up to 155 — it’s all up to him.”