Once again, World Extreme Cagefighting brought a night of hard-hitting, action-packed fights to Sacramento on Saturday night.

Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung unexpectedly stole the show with three five-minute rounds of nonstop back-and-forth punches that resembled a scene out of the “Rocky” movies in what might have been the best fight I have ever seen.

Arco Arena was filled with anticipation, and the energy could only be matched to the Sacramento Kings’ old playoff days. The only difference was this time, Sacramento showed up to cheer local hero and former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

Faber once again walked out to his patented entrance song, “California Love,” as thousands of fans wearing “No Way Jose” shirts screamed for him. The audience members booed harder for Jose Aldo, WEC’s current champion and Faber’s opponent, than they cheered for Faber. They had a good reason to. Aldo chose a clever song to walk out to, Jay-Z’s “Run This Town,” a jab at Faber and Sacramento.

Unfortunately, Faber could not deliver the result Sacramento was waiting for. He fought like a champion against the young, well-equipped Brazilian who injured Faber’s left leg with devastating leg kicks in the first few minutes of the first round. Faber, who is known for his high tolerance for pain, could not help but show his discomfort with every shot he took.

In Faber’s last loss, he fought Mike Brown to the end with two injured hands. This time, he fought five rounds with one leg. He showed courage and still attacked when he saw an opening, even though he knew his opponent would capitalize on his weak leg. Faber’s injury took away his mobility and most of the stability he needed for his offense, but he fought through it when most would have thrown in the towel.

At one point, it looked like the referee was going to call a stop to the fight when Aldo had both Faber’s hands pinned and was throwing blows to the head. To my amazement, Faber found a way to last a full minute of fists and forearms to the face until the bell rang.

Only a lion-hearted man can last the way Faber did, and Aldo knew it. A lion is still dangerous when it is hurt, and Aldo had nothing but respect for him during the fight. Aldo backed off even though he had an opportunity to go for the finish. He did not want to jeopardize a win by decision and give a chance for Faber to counter with one of his clever knockout moves.

Most of those in the crowd waited for the judge’s announcement in support of Faber even though they knew the outcome. Faber, in obvious pain, thanked Sacramento for its support, and the crowd once again cheered as he left the cage.

Photos by Jay Canter, for more photos visit www.jaycanterphotography.com