Virginia MMA staple Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison’s national debut began rather inauspiciously at WEC 46 tonight, as he was submitted less than two minutes into the first frame by former featherweight champion Mike Brown. Though the loss may seem devastating on the surface, the appearance may mark an overall gain for Morrison. After his loss to current featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, Brown’s career was in need of a good showing, win or lose, as quickly as possible. Enter Morrison, who was offered a multi-fight deal with the national promotion provided his first bout was on short notice against the veteran Brown.

Unfortunately, the Morrison’s version of the Rocky story ended with him being thoroughly outmatched. Brown had little trouble clinching up off of Morrison’s over-eager initial strikes. From there Brown dragged the Virginian to the ground, where he maintained dominant position until finishing the bout with a rear naked choke.

Morrison has still likely gained some ground in defeat. Few expected Cheesesteak to beat a former WEC champion with the overall skills that Brown brings to the octagon. However, Morrison walked away with a WEC contract and main card experience on a nationally televised event. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, main card status is rarely lost in one fight in the WEC, and Morrison can expect more TV time in the future.

Morrison is managed by Suckerpunch Entertainment, the company that manages fellow Virginian and fan favorite Amir Sadollah, who will be fighting tomorrow night on UFN 20.