Jamie Varner Illness Scratches ‘TUF 16’ Finale Clash with Melvin Guillard

The former World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight titlist was reportedly vomiting backstage, though no official word has come from the promotion regarding his ailment. Varner’s meeting with Guillard was scheduled for tonight’s main draw, which airs live on the FX network.

The event takes place at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and is headlined by a heavyweight showdown pitting “TUF 16” coach Roy Nelson against Matt Mitrione, who steps in for an injured Shane Carwin.

After losing his WEC title and posting a 1-4-1 record from January 2010 to September 2011, Varner returned to the UFC this past May on the strength of a two-fight winning streak. “C-4” shocked the bookmakers at UFC 146, blitzing the heavily favored Edson Barboza to earn a first-round technical knockout. However, Varner’s three-fight winning streak would be snapped in his next outing, as the 28-year-old was submitted by Joe Lauzon in a hard-fought Aug. 4 bout at UFC on Fox 4.

Guillard, meanwhile, has lost three of his last four fights, most recently suffering a first-round knockout to friend and former training partner Donald Cerrone at UFC 150. Known for his superior punching power and athleticism, “The Young Assassin” holds notable career wins over the likes of Gleison Tibau, Evan Dunham and Jeremy Stephens and owns 19 of his 30 victories by way of knockout.