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Jamie Varner

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American mixed martial arts fighter

Jamie Varner
Born (1984-10-12) October 12, 1984 (age 40)
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Other namesC-4
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight156 lb (71 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight
Welterweight
Reach72 in (180 cm)
Fighting out ofGlendale, Arizona, U.S.
TeamArizona Combat Sports
MMA Lab
RankBrown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Gustavo Dantas
Years active2003–2014
Mixed martial arts record
Total35
Wins21
By knockout7
By submission11
By decision3
Losses11
By knockout2
By submission5
By decision4
Draws1
No contests2
Other information
UniversityLock Haven University
Notable school(s)Deer Valley High School
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: September 09, 2009

James Varner (born October 12, 1984) is a retired American mixed martial artist who fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former WEC Lightweight Champion.

Background

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Varner attended Deer Valley High School where he competed in wrestling. At Deer Valley, Varner was a two-time Regional Champion and a State Runner Up and went on to compete at Pima Community College where he was a two-time National Qualifier and a National Runner Up, in addition to being an NJCAA All-American and a two-time Academic All-American.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Varner competed twice in the UFC. His first appearance was against veteran Hermes Franca, which Varner lost via submission (armbar) in round three. His final appearance was against formerly undefeated Jason Gilliam, which he won via first round submission (rear naked choke). After this win, Varner transferred to the WEC.

World Extreme Cagefighting

Varner successfully defended his WEC Lightweight Championship against the previously undefeated Marcus Hicks on August 3, 2008.

He next retained his title on January 25, 2009, defeating Donald Cerrone via technical split decision at WEC 38. The fight was highly competitive and won the Fight of the Night award. However, the fight was stopped prematurely in the fifth round when Cerrone hit Varner's temple with an illegal knee while Varner was still on the ground. Varner was given time to recover, but he was unable to continue, noting that he had double vision and had sustained a broken hand.

Varner faced Benson Henderson to unify the WEC Lightweight Championship at WEC 46 on January 10, 2010. After outboxing and outwrestling Henderson in the first two rounds, Henderson came back and caught Varner in a standing guillotine choke ending the fight at 2:41 of the third round.

Varner was expected to face Kamal Shalorus on April 24, 2010 at WEC 48, but the bout was called off due to an injury sustained by Shalorus. Varner/Shalorus was then rescheduled for June 20, 2010 at WEC 49. The match ended in a split draw.

Varner faced Donald Cerrone in a highly anticipated rematch on September 30, 2010 at WEC 51. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Varner faced Shane Roller on December 16, 2010 at WEC 53. He lost via submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Post Zuffa

In his first post-Zuffa fight, Varner fought Tyler Combs for XFO and won via submission in the first round. He was also in negotiations for a possible fight against DREAM Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki at the end of May 2011, but the bout did not materialize.

Varner headlined Titan Fighting Championships 20 against Dakota Cochrane on September 23, 2011, losing by unanimous decision.

Varner has signed a three-fight contract with XFC. He debuted on the XFC 14 show, defeating Nate Jolly via KO in round one. He returned on the XFC 16 High Stakes card which took place on February 10, 2012 from the Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee. He defeated Drew Fickett via TKO due to strikes just 40 seconds into round one.

Return to the UFC

It was announced that Varner would replace Evan Dunham, who suffered an injury, to fight undefeated prospect Edson Barboza on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146. Varner defeated Barboza by TKO due to punches in the first round.

Varner replaced an injured Terry Etim against Joe Lauzon on August 4, 2012 at UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera. Varner broke his hand in the second round and lost at 2:44 in the third round via triangle choke. However, his performance earned him the $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus and a Fight of the Year nomination at the World MMA Awards.

Varner was scheduled to face Melvin Guillard on December 15, 2012 at the Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale. However, Varner fell ill the day of the event and the bout was scrapped from the card. Varner/Guillard was rescheduled for December 29, 2012 at UFC 155. Varner won the fight via split decision (30–27, 27–30, 30–27). Joe Rogan said post fight that "whoever scored it 30 to 27 for Guillard should never be allowed to judge a fight again."

Varner faced Gleison Tibau on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164. He lost the fight via split decision.

Varner was expected to face Pat Healy on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9. However, Varner pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Bobby Green

Varner faced Abel Trujillo on February 1, 2014 at UFC 169, replacing Bobby Green. He lost the back-and-forth fight via knockout in the second round. Despite the loss, Varner was given a Fight of the Night bonus award for the bout. The loss was also Varner's first knockout loss in his career.

Varner faced James Krause on May 24, 2014 at UFC 173. Varner lost the fight via TKO due to injury as he broke his ankle in the first round and was unable to continue into the second round.

Varner next fought Drew Dober on December 13, 2014 at UFC on Fox 13. He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke. Varner landed on his head while attempting a takedown, temporarily rocking him and allowing Dober to take Varner's back to get the choke. In his post-fight interview inside the octagon, Varner announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

Personal life

He is an alumnus of Deer Valley High School in Glendale, Arizona, where he also was a part of the Deer Valley Skyhawk Wrestling Team. He attended Lock Haven University where he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and spent his time at that school training both as a wrestler and a boxer, where he was NCBA (National Collegiate Boxing Association) Champion for the nationally recognized Lock Haven University boxing team. Also attended PCC (Pima Community College) outside of Maricopa county in Arizona.

Varner was instrumental in the legalization and forthcoming athletic sanctioning of mixed martial arts in the state of Arizona after giving testimony to the sport's legitimacy and ongoing development as an athletic profession.

After retiring from MMA in 2014, Varner continued his studies that were interrupted when Varner got into the UFC. Eventually Varner graduated with major in marketing and a minor in financing. After graduating he worked at Boston Scientific before transitioning to the stem cell domain.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
35 matches 21 wins 11 losses
By knockout 7 2
By submission 11 5
By decision 3 4
Draws 1
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 21–11–1 (2) Drew Dober Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic December 13, 2014 1 1:52 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 21–10–1 (2) James Krause TKO (ankle injury) UFC 173 May 24, 2014 1 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 21–9–1 (2) Abel Trujillo KO (punch) UFC 169 February 1, 2014 2 2:32 Newark, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 21–8–1 (2) Gleison Tibau Decision (split) UFC 164 August 31, 2013 3 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Win 21–7–1 (2) Melvin Guillard Decision (split) UFC 155 December 29, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 20–7–1 (2) Joe Lauzon Submission (triangle choke) UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera August 4, 2012 3 2:44 Los Angeles, California, United States Fight of the Night; Fight of the Year (2012).
Win 20–6–1 (2) Edson Barboza TKO (punches) UFC 146 May 26, 2012 1 3:23 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2012 Upset of the Year.
Win 19–6–1 (2) Drew Fickett Submission (punches) XFC 16 February 10, 2012 1 0:40 Knoxville, Tennessee, United States 160 lb Catchweight.
Win 18–6–1 (2) Nate Jolly KO (punches) XFC 14 October 21, 2011 1 1:09 Orlando, Florida, United States 160 lb Catchweight.
Loss 17–6–1 (2) Dakota Cochrane Decision (unanimous) Titan FC 20 September 23, 2011 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States 165 lb Catchweight.
Win 17–5–1 (2) Tyler Combs Submission (north-south choke) XFO 39 May 13, 2011 1 1:30 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 16–5–1 (2) Shane Roller Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 53 December 16, 2010 1 3:55 Glendale, Arizona, United States
Loss 16–4–1 (2) Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) WEC 51 September 30, 2010 3 5:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Fight of the Night.
Draw 16–3–1 (2) Kamal Shalorus Draw (split) WEC 49 June 20, 2010 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Shalorus had one point deducted in round two for illegal groin kicks.
Loss 16–3 (2) Benson Henderson Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 46 January 10, 2010 3 2:41 Sacramento, California, United States Lost the WEC Lightweight Championship.
Win 16–2 (2) Donald Cerrone Technical Decision (split) WEC 38 January 25, 2009 5 3:10 San Diego, California, United States Defended the WEC Lightweight Championship; Fight of the Night.
Win 15–2 (2) Marcus Hicks TKO (punches) WEC 35 August 3, 2008 1 2:08 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the WEC Lightweight Championship.
Win 14–2 (2) Rob McCullough TKO (punches) WEC 32 February 13, 2008 3 2:54 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Won the WEC Lightweight Championship.
Win 13–2 (2) Sherron Leggett TKO (punches and elbows) WEC 29 August 5, 2007 1 4:08 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 12–2 (2) Jason Gilliam Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 68 March 3, 2007 1 1:34 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 11–2 (2) Hermes França Submission (armbar) UFC 62 August 26, 2006 3 3:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 11–1 (2) Leonard Wilson Submission (rear-naked choke) Rage in the Cage 78 January 14, 2006 2 1:07 Glendale, Arizona, United States
NC 10–1 (2) Tony Llamas No Contest KOTC 56: Caliente July 9, 2005 N/A N/A Globe, Arizona, United States Llamas injured by an illegal strike.
Win 10–1 (1) Paul Arroyo Submission (punches) Rage in the Cage 71 June 30, 2005 1 2:03 Tempe, Arizona, United States
Win 9–1 (1) Adam Roland TKO (punches) Rage in the Cage 70 June 11, 2005 1 2:46 Glendale, Arizona, United States
Win 8–1 (1) Jesse Bongfeldt TKO (punches) WFF 7: Professional Shooto July 23, 2004 1 4:12 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 7–1 (1) Kyle Bradley Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Factory June 26, 2004 2 2:34 N/A
Win 6–1 (1) Kyle Sprouse Submission (choke) RITC 63: It's Time June 12, 2004 1 1:47 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 5–1 (1) Garett Davis Submission (triangle choke) World Freestyle Fighting 6 May 14, 2004 1 3:52 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
NC 4–1 (1) James Upshur No Contest RITC 61: Relentless April 30, 2004 2 N/A Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 4–1 Jarvis Brennaman Submission (triangle choke) ECS: Evolution July 19, 2003 1 1:22 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 3–1 Dave Klein Submission (choke) RITC 50: The Prelude July 12, 2003 3 1:56 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 2–1 Justin Nauling Submission (armbar) RITC 49: Stare Down June 7, 2003 2 0:38 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 1–1 Jesse Moreng Decision (unanimous) RITC 47: Unstoppable June 7, 2003 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Carlos Ortega Decision (unanimous) RITC 46: Launching Pad March 27, 2003 3 3:00 Tempe, Arizona, United States

References

  1. "Fight Card - UFC 173 Barao vs. Dillashaw". UFC.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  2. Luke Thomas (February 12, 2008). "Jamie Varner's First-Rate Preparation for WEC 32". bloodyelbow.com.
  3. vinceo66 (October 24, 2012). "4th Southwest Classic Jamie Varner vs Gottrell King FOR THE GOLD!!!". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "Jamie Varner - Impact MMA". Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  5. "411Mania".
  6. "Donald Cerrone expected to fight champ Jamie Varner at WEC 38 | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2008.
  7. Adam Wagner (November 2, 2009). "WEC 46: 'Varner vs Henderson' announced for Arco Arena on Jan. 10". mmmamania.com. Retrieved November 2, 2009.
  8. Ray Hui (January 10, 2010). "WEC 46: Ben Henderson Submits Jamie Varner, Unifies Lightweight Belts". mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 10, 2010.
  9. "Jamie Varner vs. Kamal Shalorus likely for WEC 48 PPV main card". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  10. "WEC 49: 'Varner vs Shalorus' official for June 20 in Edmonton". mmamania.com. April 15, 2010.
  11. "VARNER VS. CERRONE 2 SIGNED FOR WEC 51". mmaweekly.com. July 20, 2010. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010.
  12. "Jamie Varner To Face Shane Roller at WEC 53". mmaweekly.com. October 22, 2010.
  13. "Former WEC Champion Jamie Varner Released From WEC/UFC Following Loss". mmaweekly.com. December 28, 2010.
  14. "Shinya Aoki Will Fight at Dream 17; McKee and Varner Possible Opponents (UPDATED)". mmaweekly.com. May 6, 2011.
  15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. "Jamie Varner signs new deal with the Xtreme Fighting Championships". December 18, 2011. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  17. Tom Ngo (May 1, 2012). "Jamie Varner Replaces Injured Evan Dunham at UFC 146". 5thround.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. Damon Martin (August 5, 2012). "Jamie Varner Suffers Broken Hand in 2nd Round Against Joe Lauzon". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  20. "UFC on FOX: Shogun vs Vera Post-fight Press Conference". www.ufc.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012.
  21. "Reminder: Final week to vote for 2012 World MMA Awards". December 27, 2012.
  22. "Melvin Guillard vs. Jamie Varner added to TUF 16 Finale in December". mmajunkie.com. November 1, 2012. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012.
  23. "Illness forces Jamie Varner out of Melvin Guillard fight". mmafighting.com. December 15, 2012.
  24. "Lightweights Jamie Varner and Gleison Tibau set for UFC 164 in Milwaukee". mmajunkie.com. June 19, 2013.
  25. "Pat Healy vs. Jamie Varner added to December's UFC on FOX 9 event". mmajunkie.com. October 6, 2013. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013.
  26. Tim Burke (November 12, 2013). "Bobby Green in for Jamie Varner, will face Pat Healy at UFC on Fox 9". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  27. Staff (December 31, 2013). "Abel Trujillo gets new opponent for UFC 169 main card". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  28. Matt Erickson. "UFC 169 bonuses: Abel Trujillo banks $125K, Varner gets $75K". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  29. Staff (February 24, 2014). "Jamie Varner meets James Krause at UFC 173 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  30. Ben Fowlkes (May 24, 2014). "Jamie Varner breaks ankle, James Krause gets TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  31. John Morgan (September 10, 2014). "Valley MMA star James Varner to fight in Phoenix UFC event". azcentral.com. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  32. MMAjunkie Staff (December 13, 2014). "Jamie Varner calls it a career following UFC on FOX 13 loss". mmajunkie.com.
  33. https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=mmajunkie-Varner_Arizona_Regulation&prov=mmajunkie&type=lgns
  34. Bryan Tucker (January 11, 2013). "World MMA Awards 2012 Results". mmafighting.com.

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded byRob McCullough 5th WEC Lightweight Champion
February 13, 2008 - January 10, 2010 		Succeeded byBenson Henderson
WEC Lightweight Champions
Categories: