Joe Lauzon vs. Jeremy Stephens
The main event of the evening sees Jeremy Stephens step in as a late replacement for the injured Hermes Franca to meet young standout and Ultimate Fighter 5 also-ran Joe Lauzon.
After first bursting on the scene with a shocking knockout of former champion Jens Pulver just 48 seconds into his UFC, Joe Lauzon has continued to look impressive. Despite a setback against Manny Gamburyan and a domination at the hands of current #1 Lightweight contender Kenny Florian, winning 3 of four beginning with the Ultimate Fighter 5 finale. A skilled striker with excellent jiu jitsu, Lauzon has an extremely bright future ahead of him.
Stephens has been impressive in his own right thusfar. After dropping his UFC debut to veteran Din Thomas, “Lil’ Heathen” has won 4 of 5, including impressive victories over Cole Miller and Rafael Dos Anjos. Primarily a striker, it is imperative that Stephens keeps this fight standing, where he outclasses Lauzon considerably. Lauzon has an equally large advantage on the ground, so this fight all hinges on Lauzon’s takedowns and Stephens’ defense.
Unfortunately for Stephens, the late notice of this fight is going to be his undoing. Lauzon is too slick on the ground for a puncher to handle without considerable training, and Stephens, though he should be commended for his bravery in taking the fight at such late notice, is going to pay the price for that bravery.
Lauzon by submission, round 2.
