Anthony Pettis believes WEC had the best lightweights in the world

While the UFC remains as the king of the mountain, there is some debate as to what organization has (or had) the best fighters in the world. With Strikeforce breathing its final breath in January, it means that some of the organizations top fighters will make their way into the UFC. Of the bunch, perhaps the most prominent name is that of Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. Most believe that he could make waves in the lightweight division of the UFC but we won’t know for sure until he steps into the Octagon. The same can be said for Eddie Alvarez as he will likely come to the UFC after being considered one of the top lightweights during his run in Bellator.

But according to former WEC champion Anthony Pettis, neither Strikeforce, Bellator or the UFC can hold a candle to the lightweights of the now defunct World Extreme Cagefighting organization. 

“It surprised me how good the WEC guys did (in the UFC),” Pettis told MMAjunkie.com. With Benson Henderson currently holding the title while Pettis and former WEC fighter Donald Cerrone battle it out for the #1 contender slot in January, the WEC is making a strong case as having had the best lightweights in the world. “I mean, we’re at the top of the top. Everybody doubted the WEC – our skills weren’t good enough. And we proved everybody wrong. Henderson’s at the top, I’m right there, me and Cerrone are about to fight for the No. 1 contender. We’re all very well-skilled – the WEC had the best 155ers in the world, and now we’re fighting to be at the top again.”

He’s certainly makinga strong case and there’s no doubt that the lightweight division is the deepest in MMA. Do you agree with Pettis?