UFC 146 Results: Jamie Varner's Victory Should Earn Him Title Bout

After a dominating performance against Edson Barboza at UFC 146, Jamie Varner has to be on the lightweight title bout consideration list.

Barboza was one of the most exciting up-and-coming fighters with a 10-0 record and 4-0 in UFC. Varner, on the other hand, entered with some rhythm after two victories because he was just 1-4-1 prior to his current winning streak.

That said, Varner still has some time to go before a rematch with Benson Henderson, but the odds significantly increased last night.

Experience

Now holding a record of 20-6-1, Jamie Varner has been through enough fights to make the most of every attack and defense.

From January 2010 through September 2011, Varner hit a cold streak that began with a submission loss to Benson Henderson in the WEC lightweight title. Fortunately, Varner has managed to rise up from his slump and is now riding a three-match win streak.

The man knows what it feels like to be at the top (he held the WEC lightweight title for nearly two years) and has worked his way back into legit contention. Varner's recent experience in UFC is limited by comparison (his previous four fights before Barboza were not in UFC), but as a fighter he has the proven overall track record to contend.

Fighting Style

Jamie Varner is an eclectic fighter.

With experience as a wrestler and boxer, it's no surprise he's a threat to take anyone down and win a match on the ground. Even more impressive, though, Varner has a quick punch that's consistently effective, as evidence by his previous three bouts.

As a defender, Varner is great at sprawling to stay on his feet and possesses the balance with body control to make a fast counter-move or attack. Whether it's a parry/body block or a re-shot off a sprawl, Varner has an explosive reaction to taking advantage when in a favorable position.

Provided he continues to develop with leg attacks, Varner only enhances his potential as a fighter.

Immediate Future

This fall, Varner will be turning 28 years old, having begun his pro career back in 2003. Considering that he's been a fighter for a decade now, he's not going to be in the Octagon for the next decade.

Varner appears to be entering his prime after three straight wins and has a good five years left in him (at the very least). So it is reasonable to suspect that he'll earn more than one title bout, but Varner does have to maintain the consistency.

Currently ranked No. 30 by fightmatrix.com, Varner moved up quite a bit with his win. He has set himself up to enjoy a strong 2012 and momentum for 2013. If the title bout doesn't happen by year's end, it should occur next year.