Breaking down WEC 50: Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez

By Brett Okamoto

Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 | 9:30 p.m.

During an open workout for media members Monday, Joseph Benavidez admitted he's not expecting Dominick Cruz to be highly motivated for their WEC bantamweight title fight later this week.

Those who stuck around long enough Monday afternoon to watch Cruz work out in a full sweatsuit for 40 minutes might have a hard time agreeing.

With his hands still wrapped and sweat dripping from his face, Cruz laughed when told of Benavidez's comments and assured everyone that his hunger to win is as high as ever.

"I think he can keep that thought to himself, because he's crazy," said Cruz, who claimed the bantamweight belt with a win against Brian Bowles in March. "I'm as motivated as I've ever been in my entire life."

Right or wrong, one can see the logic behind Benavidez's theory.

At 25, Cruz (15-1) has risen to the top of the division. He already beat Benavidez (12-1) once in a hard-fought, back-and-forth fight last August that went the distance.

The way Benavidez sees it, Cruz has had to train hard just to accomplish something he's already done.

"I feel like he's almost hanging on to something," Benavidez said. "He beat me. He's got nothing to prove. He's thinking, 'God, I've got to fight this guy again.'"

According to Cruz, the motivation he uses goes beyond wins and losses and beyond even the bantamweight belt.

Even as a WEC champion, Cruz has said in the past he doesn't believe fans know much about him or truly respect his accomplishments.

It's part of the reason he decided to accept this fight instead of undergo surgery on his right hand that would have kept him sidelined the rest of the year.

"Just because I have the belt, that changes people's outlook on you, period," Cruz said. "But do they have respect for me as a fighter yet? Probably not. But I don't care. I'll go prove it on Wednesday."

If Cruz ever gets that respect, then there's a chance Benavidez's claim will hold true.

As of right now, he should probably start expecting a very hungry opponent this week.

Quick Hits:

Everyone sees it but few can describe it. Simply put — Cruz's fighting style is just different.

Very few fighters in all of mixed martial arts move as much as Cruz. His activity is nonstop and he's got arguably the best cardio of any fighter in the organization.

"It's just different," Benavidez said. "No one in MMA fights like that or moves like that. That's a big part of his success. Someone gets in the ring with him and says, 'I've never seen anything like this.'"

Benavidez is hoping to turn Cruz's biggest strength into a weakness in the rematch.

Having already been in the cage with him for 15 minutes, Benavidez is confident he won't be confused early by Cruz's unorthodox style.

"That's why I have a great advantage," Benavidez said. "I've been in there and seen what he does. I've felt what he does. And I think I did fine."

Last Time Out:

Cruz: Second-round TKO win over Brian Bowles at WEC 47.

Benavidez: Second-round submission win over Miguel Torres at WEC 47.

The Lines: Cruz, minus-240; Benavidez, plus-190

Final Words:

Cruz: On having won four of his last five wins by decision. "I think I go in there looking for the finish from beginning to end. You don't get Fight of the Night awards for not looking for the finish. I'm pretty sure I've rocked everybody I've ever fought at least once."

Benavidez: On Cruz's style. "It's exciting because it's so fast and unique. Fans definitely want to see finishes but he has a unique style, so you see that instead of the finish. I can respect he's great at what he does, but I don't fight like that. I leave everything out there and I like to take chances."

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at LVSunFighting