WEC 46: Jamie Varner Versus Ben Henderson, Return of Urijah Faber

The anticipated lightweight title unification bout between WEC champion “The Worm” Jamie Varner (16-3) and interim champion “Smooth” Ben Henderson (9-1) will take place at WEC 46 at ARCO Arena in Sacramento on January 10, the WEC confirmed Monday.

“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.”

Returning to the cage for the first time since his clash with “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone (9-2) in January, Varner says he’s healthy and determined to take sole possession of the world title.

Following the win to earn the interim title last year over Cerrone, Henderson hungrily seeks the unified title too.

“I think Jamie and I match up pretty well,” Henderson stated. “I’m ready to leave it all in the cage and win the undisputed championship.”

WEC 46 also brings the return of former WEC featherweight champ ”California Kid” Urijah Faber (22-3) as he faces talented grappler Rafael Assuncao (13-1).

“He definitely has some dangerous tools in his arsenal,” Faber stated. “But I think I will have slight advantages in every category of the fight.”

In response, Assuncao said, “A win puts me in line for a shot at the belt.  I always had a feeling that I’d fight Urijah one day and I’m glad it’s going to happen on January 10.”

Tickets for WEC 46 go on sale Saturday, November 7 at 10 AM PT.   WEC 46 will be televised live in the United States on VERSUS beginning at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT.