'Best of WEC' series debuts March 19 on FOX Sports 1

“Best of WEC,” a new six-part series that spotlights some of the greatest fights in the organization’s history, debuts March 19 on FOX Sports 1.

The one-hour show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) with Kenda Perez serving as host, FOX Sports Director of PR John Stouffer today told MMAjunkie.

During its 10-year run, the WEC put on 53 events, mostly in California and Nevada, and often to rave reviews. Zuffa purchased the organization in 2006 and initially operated the WEC as a separate organization. In time, though, the WEC’s heavier weight classes were absorbed into the UFC, and following a final show in December 2010, the promotion closed its doors for good and moved all its top talent to the UFC.

The merger still has lasting effects today. UFC champions Demetrious Johnson, Renan Barao, Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis – as well as perennial contenders such as Urijah Faber, Carlos Condit, Benson Henderson, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez and Donald Cerrone – all came into prominence with the WEC, which had broadcast deals with Versus (now NBC Sports Network) and HDNet (now AXS TV).

FOX Sports 1 will dig into the archives for its “Best of WEC” series. The tentative schedule includes:

• “Best of WEC” 101: Some of the biggest names in MMA showcase their skills inside the WEC octagon in this all-star edition.
• “Best of WEC” 102: From one-punch knockouts to skillful submissions, witness some of the most memorable finishes in WEC history.
• “Best of WEC” 103: Watch three classic bantamweight and featherweight fights from the WEC that prove that bigger isn’t always badder.
• “Best of WEC” 104: WEC’s lighter-weight fighters were known for their nonstop cardio and action that looked like it was unfolding in fast-forward. See three of these memorable brawls.
• “Best of WEC” 105: See great fights from the members of Sacramento’s Team Alpha Male: Faber, Mendez, Benavidez and Danny Castillo.
• “Best of WEC” 106: Journey back to WEC 53 for two memorable lightweight fights: Henderson vs. Pettis and Cerrone vs. Chris Horodecki.

(Pictured: )