Jamie Varner and Ryan Bader Eye September Returns
WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner and light heavyweight up-and-comer Ryan Bader, teammates at Arizona Combat Sports, are looking to return to action in September following recent injuries.
Varner (16-2), during a recent appearnce on MMA Weekly Radio, announced that he’s likely to headline a September WEC event against an unamed opponent. Varner underwent surgery to repair a broken hand and also suffered a broken blood vessel in his eye as well as a broken foot in his successful title defense over Donald Cerrone in January, which came to an end when Cerrone illegally kneed Varner in the fifth and final round and the WEC title-holder was unable to continue fighting.
A two-time All American wrestler at Arizona State, Bader compiled a 7-0 pro MMA record before appearing on The Ultimate Fighter 8, winning the 205-pound tournament with a December victory over Vinny Magalhaes. In April, “Darth” Bader recorded his second-straight UFC victory, a unanimous decision over Carmelo Marrero, but suffered a torn MCL and PCL in the win that sidelined him for 3 to 6 months. Bader, who rusumed training earlier this month, recently told MMAjunkie he’s on track for a September return.
[Pictured: Jamie Varner]
Tags: Jamie Varner, Ryan Bader
Loading ...
Thought Bader would be out longer with the injury he had good to hear he’ll be back soon to see what he’s really about. Good to hear about Varner too we need him and The Cowboy to get at it again asap.
Great news…
Lil concerned about Bader though… usually takes everone the same amount of time to recover from that type of knee injury, so I worry about him coming back too quick and risking more/permanent damage to that knee. Don’t want to end your career before it truly begins!
true chrisl, he should play it safe, but its a double edged sword there. good to see him coming back though, he is raw but thats just another shark in the waters in that dangerous 205 pool. I honestly believe that division is the best in the world. look at all that talent at 205.
rampage, rashad, forrest, shogun, machida, rich franklin, anderson silva, thiago silva, wandy, cane, cantwell, hendo, krzystof, vera, hamill, jardine, bonnar, jones. that is one bad division.
Dont forget about mike patt,houston alexander, and elvis sinosic.