[bears9]

After a doctor's examination today revealed that WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner's hand is still fractured, WEC officials are now discussing the possibility of implementing an interim belt.

Maggie Hendricks of Yahoo! Sports CageWriter blog first reported the news, and WEC spokesman Dave Sholler today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that WEC General Manager Reed Harris and matchmaker Sean Shelby are discussing potential dates and fighters for the interim title.

Depending on the timetable for Varner's return, the interim-title fight could happen as soon as this fall.

Varner posted a Twitter message earlier today that his hand, which was broken in a controversial win over Donald Cerrone in January, is "still fractured" and that "the doc pulled the rug out from my feet" by saying he won't be ready to fight anytime soon.

"We wish him a speedy recovery," Sholler said. "We heard from Jamie's manager this morning. ... It seems his hand is still in bad shape. At this time, there's no timetable for his return."

Not wanting to put a division and title on hold (similar to Strikeforce's situation with middleweight champion and thespian Cung Le), Scholler said the WEC brass is working on a back-up plan.

"Right now, we're considering it," Sholler said of an interim title. "We have to consider it. Who will fight for it? We haven't decided that as of yet. There are no firm plans yet, but it's something we have discussed.

With champ Jamie Varner's hand still fractured, WEC could implement interim belt by fall | MMAjunkie.com