Red Ink: Varner/Henderson

Photo: Dave Mandel

The mugging can be a little much, but if you’re a fan of fighting, it’s impossible not to respect the performances of Benson Henderson. The 10-1 lightweight needed only a year to go from WEC rookie to interim world champion, outpointing Donald Cerrone while an ailing Jamie Varner seethed from the seats.

A year off due to injuries, Varner now has his chance to punctuate his talking by taking back the belt in its entirety. He’s the “on paper” favorite -- better wrestling, better striking -- but Henderson seems to delight in surprising people.

Varner’s time off. In addition to ring rust, any deficit in cardio conditioning will be exploited by Henderson.

Varner wins two early, Henderson wins three late: his pace will put demands on Varner’s de-conditioned body that he won’t be able to meet. Henderson by decision.