UFC Fighter Jamie Varner Opens gym in Scottsdale, Talks Possible Comeback

By admin June 23, 2014 21:48

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UFC Photo

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Seconds into the first round, Jamie Varner blocks a kick from his opponent James Krause.

As he lands, his foot rolls awkwardly beneath him, but it seems to be a minor problem. As the round continues, his left leg becomes shaky and starts to give up on him.

That doesn’t stop Varner from finishing the first round with high points. He sits on the mat with an injury that would change the way he looked at his career.

Adrenaline kicks in from the cheering crowd, the thought of a loss in his record strikes Varner as he questions why now and why him.

It was May 2014, the lightweight fight that opened UFC’s 173 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a fight aired on Pay-Per-View. Varner broke his ankle and caused soft tissue damage.

“This is probably the only time and the only injury that’s really made me question what I’m doing,” he said.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Jamie Varner is a lover of Mexican food, fitness and the outdoors.

“Anything where I can go fast enough to hurt myself, I like doing it,” he laughs. Even in the three-digit weather of Arizona, he’ll still ride his bicycle or a Harley.

Varner obtained a full division one scholarship to Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania where he studied accounting, boxed and wrestled.

It is in 2006 that he signed his contract with the UFC.

But he missed Arizona and in 2010, he returns to the Valley, and takes a break from the sport to finish a degree in accounting at ASU.

He picks up where he left off in 2012, and this August, he will complete 12 years of experience under his belt.

Today at the age of 30, he proudly holds the titles of former WEC Lightweight Champion, NJCAA All-American national runner-up and NCBA national champion in boxing.

Photo Credit: ArizonaLatinos.com

His newest endeavor is being owner of his own gym in Scottsdale, Impact MMA.

Opening its doors in November 18, 2013, its members include people looking to reach a fitness goal, learn the skill of martial arts or simply as a way of self-defense.

“I love the fact that I am able to provide this place for these guys to achieve their dreams and accomplish their fitness goals,” he said.

Impact MMA offers its members various classes including Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Hybrid Karate, Adult Kick Fit, Adult Kickboxing, Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Adult Boxing.

Trainers and instructors include five world championship title holders.

“You get to train with the best in whatever sport you want to do. I was a three-time world champion MMA, so if you want to fight, you can train with me,” he said.

Latinos have been the fastest-growing market for Impact MMA. “I would say they’re our most die-hard fans and supporters just because combat sport is so huge among Latinos,” Varner said, “they have such a rich history in boxing too.”

The gym has now been open for seven months and receives approximately 15 new sign ups every month. In a year, Varner hopes to reach a goal of 300 members, and further in the future include more locations around the Valley.

“I want to be able to change lives the way my life was changed.”

December 13, 2014 could be a comeback for Varner, as the UFC makes its way to Arizona for the very first time at the US Airways Center.

“I’m hoping to be healthy by then; that may or may not be my last fight ever. I may retire after that,” he said.

For more information and to learn more about Impact MMA, visit www.impactmmaaz.com or “LIKE” their official Facebook page at Facebook.com/Impactmmaaz