WEC 46 Results: Ben Henderson defeats Jamie Varner by Submission (Guillotine choke) to unify the lightweight title

Published on: 10th January, 2010

WEC 46 Results: Ben Henderson defeats Jamie Varner by Submission (Guillotine choke) to unify the lightweight title  | read this item

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Ben Henderson and Jamie Varner entered the Octagon tonight knowing that they needed to win in order to prove they are the “real” WEC lightweight champion.

Varner who had not fought in over a year since successfully defending his title against adversary “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone last January, did not show any “Cage rust” early on in the first round and looked like he may dominate the challenger early on.

Varner landed a big double leg takedown within :30 seconds of the first round and slammed Henderson on his back. Varner then punished Henderson for a majority of the round with knees to his body and head. The most significant blow came as Henderson was stuck in a guillotine attempting to stand up after Varner began to crank his neck. As he attempted to do so, Varner landed a big knee to his head and dropped him to one knee.

In the second round the audience began to get a bit test as both fighters did not want to engage and make a mistake that could cost them the round or fight. The round went down with out much action and Ben Henderson’s two kicks to the body may have actually won the round for him.

The third round was where Varner made the one mistake it appeared he did not want Henderson to capitalize on and win the fight. After shooting in for a takedown, Henderson jumped into a very tight and deep standing guillotine choke and sunk in his hooks while Varner stood up with no defense for the hold. Varner tapped out at 2:41 of the third round as Ben Henderson became the unified WEC lightweight champion.

In the post fight interview it appears the WEC wanted to ask Henderson a question to set up hype for a rematch with Donald Cerrone, like they did with Faber and Aldo earlier. It did not work as well, as Henderson really seemed too excited by winning the belt to focus on his next opponent and said he will fight who ever the WEC puts in front of him. I think everyone wanted to hear him call out Cerrone. Henderson also thanked Cerrone for making him famous in their WEC 44 bout.

In the post fight press conference former champion Jamie Varner seemed upset and blamed Henderson for wanting to grapple and not fight. I am sure he will have another shot at the belt in 2010 if he can get on a win streak.

 Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author

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