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Varner vs. Henderson, Faber vs. Assuncao Official for WEC 46
By Ariel Helwani
November 2, 2009
World Extreme Cagefighting has two more big events lined up for the conclusion of 2009, but on Monday the organization officially announced that they will be kicking off the new year with a bang in a familiar setting with some familiar faces.
Lightweight champion Jamie Varner will make his long-awaited return to the WEC cage on Sunday, Jan. 10 against interim champion Benson Henderson in the main event of the card, which will be held at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, Calif.
In the co-main event, Sacramento's own Urijah Faber will also make his much anticipated return against the streaking Raphael Assuncao.
The event, which will mark the organization's third trip to Sacramento in less than two years, will air live on Versus.
“Arco Arena is one of our favorite venues to bring fights, the fans in Sacramento are some of the best,” WEC general manager Reed Harris said in a press release. “The world title bout between Varner and Henderson is a perfect way to start off the New Year. The title fight, plus the return of Urijah, makes this an instant winter classic.”
Varner (16-2-2) hasn't defended his title since fracturing his right hand in a January fight against Donald Cerrone. His road to recovery has suffered multiple setbacks due to his hand not healing properly, but he is now fully healed and ready to unify the title.
“He’s a tough dude,” Varner said of Henderson. “But I’m the champion for a reason. I have nothing but confidence going into this fight. I don’t think Ben poses any challenges or threats that I haven’t seen before. I’m ready to show the world that I’m still the true champion in this division.”
Meanwhile, Henderson (10-1) is coming off a thrilling five-round decision victory over Cerrone at WEC 43 in October. The soon-to-be 26-year-old made his WEC debut in January, and has continued to impress and mature as a fighter every time he competes.
“I think Jamie and I match up pretty well,” Henderson, a two-time NAIA collegiate wrestling All-American, said. “He’s a good boxer and a tough fighter, so I’m ready to wage war with him. I’m ready to leave it all in the cage and win the undisputed championship.”
Meanwhile, Faber (22-3) has had to deal with his own health issues, as he injured both of his hands in his unanimous decision title loss to 145-pound champion Mike Brown in June. Needless to say, the former featherweight champion faces a must-win situation against Assuncao, as a loss would mark his third in four fights, and would leave him on the outside looking into a crowded 145-pound division.
“He definitely has some dangerous tools in his arsenal,” Faber said of Assuncao. “But I think I will have slight advantages in every category of the fight. I’m really excited to fight Raphael in my hometown. Sacramento is my place. This is my spot and I represent the people of this town. I want to win here and climb one step closer to the belt.”
Assuncao (12-1) is 2-0 in his WEC career, defeating Jameel Massouh in April and Yves Jabouin in October. The Brazilian ju-jitsu black belt, who has won his last six fights in a row, believes that a win over Faber would put him in line for a featherweight title shot, and it's hard to argue with that line of thinking.
“A win puts me in line for a shot at the belt,” Assuncao said firmly. “I always had a feeling that I’d fight Urijah one day and I’m glad it’s going to happen on Jan. 10. I think it’s a good matchup of styles and we’re going to push each other hard from the start.”
Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $200, $135, $75, and $40. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to WEC newsletter subscribers on Thursday, Nov. 5 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the WEC newsletter through wec.tv. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the ARCO Arena Box Office. Tickets also are available online through www.wec.tv or www.ticketmaster.com.
