ULTIMATE FIGHT NIGHT: LAUZON VS. STEPHENS
ULTIMATE FIGHT NIGHT: LAUZON VS. STEPHENS
By John Gagne
This fight does not have the potential to be a ground battle like the Franca vs. Lauzon. But what it does have is two tough as nails fighters, who are looking to move up the UFC lightweight ranks. This fight will be a battle. Each fighter brings a different game to the table.
Joe Lauzon started off his career as a premier grappler for NAGA or the North American Grappling Association. These grappling events featured Joe in many tough superfights. He also made a name for him self in the New England MMA scene at a very young age.
Joe didn’t get his big break until UFC 63. Where we saw Joe TKO MMA legend Jens “Little Evil” Pulver. Joe also holds a victory over WEC featherweight champ Mike Thomas Brown. Joe has only seen defeat two times in his career in the octagon. The first was against fellow New Englander Kenny “Ken Flo” Florian. And the second loss was Manny Gamburyan in the semi-finals of TUF 5.
Jeremy Stephens is no slouch. He is a tough guy that’s very well rounded. Besides Spencer Fisher, I believe Joe Lauzon will be he toughest test in UFC. Most of Jeremy’s victories are via TKO or KO. Knowing that we can all assume he wants a stand up war. Even though Joe Lauzon has improved his striking. I feel the edge goes to Stephens.
However Jeremy Stephens has suffered two of his three losses by submission. If you look at Joes record on the other hand. He has most of his wins via submission. It will be interesting to see how this fight unfolds. Can Joe Lauzon get Stephens down? I think so, that’s why I am taking him in the second round rear naked choke or heel hook.
The odds for this fight are pretty good. The bookmakers are not making Joe a huge favorite. I would take him hands down.