Varner will not be stripped of lightweight title
A number of reports, citing a Youngstown Vindicator story, stated Varner would be stripped of his belt and that it…
A number of reports, citing a Youngstown Vindicator story, stated Varner would be stripped of his belt and that it would then be contested by Cerrone and Henderson. However, Harris said that won’t be the case.
Harris said his comments were taken a bit out of context and that Varner will be stripped of the belt only if his injuries prevent him from returning to the cage – something that won’t be known for quite some time. In a January title defense over Cerrone (one that ended via technical split decision), Varner broke his hand and foot before an illegal knee in the fifth round brought an end to the bout. Although hopeful he could return for WEC 43 to fight Cerrone again, Varner has publicly stated that his hand did not heal correctly and that it’ll keep him sidelined through the summer.
“Jamie is not stripped of the title,” Harris said. “We’re all hoping Jamie can come back later this year and defend his title against whoever wins the interim title.
“We just couldn’t put the division on hold. We had to move it forward. … Donald and Benson were elated.”