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Despite a report from Sherdog.com stating that a rematch between former WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner and Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone was in the works for September's WEC 51 event, Varner's camp says that's not the case, and he's hoping to get a rematch against current Champion Benson Henderson.
"We have not been contacted in regards to this bout," his management team, KOReps, stated in comments made to MMAWeekly.com. "The fight between Kamal [Shalorus] and Jamie was supposed to gain a shot at the title. The overwhelming majority of people seem to feel Jamie definitely won the fight. A title rematch with Ben in Arizona could be great for the fans and the WEC.
"For more information on an upcoming bout and injuries from the last fight please look for a video blog in the coming days on www.jamievarner.com."
Varner and Shalorus fought to a split draw last month in the main event of WEC 49, a controversial decision that drew a lot of heat from fans. Varner appeared to be well ahead after Shalorus was deducted a point for the second of three low blow kicks in the fight. The third came in the third round, and referee Josh Rosenthal inexplicably did not dock another point from Shalorus.
The MMAWeekly.com report also states that Cerrone's camp has not been approached about the fight at this point either, so while it could still potentially happen, it has not been agreed upon.
Penick's Analysis: If Varner gets his rematch with Henderson I'll be less disappointed in this rematch not coming to fruition. He really should have been given that decision last month, and I'd have no problem with the WEC putting him in another title fight, because they don't really have a clear #1 contender in that division. I'd still really like to see this rematch with Varner and Cerrone, so maybe it will still come to fruition.
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