Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will get another opportunity to become WEC’s lightweight champion. But this time around, Cerrone won’t be challenging lightweight title holder Jamie Varner. Instead, the New Mexico trained fighter will try his luck against Ben Henderson at WEC 43 on September 2.

Cerrone’s opposition for his September bout isn’t the only change. When “Cowboy” steps inside the cage to face Henderson, he’ll be fighting for the interim lightweight title, not the one Varner bears.

Jamie Varner defended his lightweight gold against the 10-1 Cerrone at WEC 38 in January. The contest was stopped due to an illegal knee by Cerrone. Varner walked out of San Diego, California still the WEC 155 pound champion. Since their disappointing and abrupt stoppage, Cerrone and Varner have developed a heated rivalry - - going back and fourth in a war-of words:

“I think he’s taking a lot away from me saying I don’t deserve to fight him, I don’t belong in the same ring with him. You’re a tough guy behind the computers and the cell phone,” Cerrone stated.

Varner suffered a broken hand as a result of his match with “Cowboy.” The nagging injury has been a huge setback in terms of setting up possible rematch between the two young fighters.

Ben Henderson will replace Jamie Varner and lock horns with Cerrone for the interim belt.

Benson “Smooth” Henderson (9-1) has put together an impressive eight-fight winning streak. The Glendale native definitely has the attention of Cerrone as “Cowboy” is not looking past him.

“He’s got an awesome ground game and he’s a superior wrestler,” said Cerrone.

The winner of the Cerrone-Henderson fight is scheduled to meet Jamie Varner on a date later to be determined.

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