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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Jamie Varner tried to strike gold twice in short notice fights in 2012, but he fell short against Joe Lauzon on Saturday night at UFC on Fox 4. In a fantastic back and forth fight, reminiscent of the famous Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar Ultimate Fighter Finals bout in 2005, Varner did all he could to put Lauzon away before getting caught in a triangle choke in the third round.
Varner's strategy was to pepper Lauzon early and often with strikes, but he wore himself out a bit in the first round and started to fade late in the frame. He was still landing combinations and doing damage, but Lauzon began a comeback. He ended the round strong with a knockdown, however, taking the first frame.
He started the second round taking the fight right back to Lauzon, landing powerful body punches and connecting on short punches and elbow strikes in the center of the cage. He again faded as the round continued however, and lost the frame by giving up position to Lauzon on the ground for the final two minutes of the round.
Varner started the third with more attacks, and added in a couple of takedowns to the mix. Lauzon showed off his fantastic skills on the ground, however, sweeping Varner, and finally catching him in the triangle choke. Varner tried to escape, but was ultimately forced to submit, suffering his first loss in his last four fights.
Lauzon bounces back from a loss to Anthony Pettis in February, and has now won four of his last six bouts.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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