155 lbs: Joe Lauzon vs. Sam Stout
Odds: (-270 Lauzon / +210 Stout)
In a compelling Lightweight matchup that will pit skill and technique against heart and power, skilled technician Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon will square off against dangerous brawler Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout. Stout has had mixed success in the UFC, but has a ton of determination and heavy hands. He’s going to have those hands full, though, with Lauzon, an excellent submission artist with pretty good striking of his own.
Stout, most remembered for his two epic wars with Spencer Fisher, is not one of the most skilled fighters in the world, but he is relentlessly aggressive, has a lot of knockout power, and doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit. What he lacks in technique he makes up for with sheer heart and will, not to mention the granite boulders on the ends of his arms. His best bet against Lauzon will be to press the issue, keeping the pressure on him with a constant barrage of punches and trying to keep him from working his patient, technical game.
Lauzon is one of the hot young guns in the Lightweight division. Originally a Team Penn standout on The Ultimate Fighter, Lauzon made a splash in his UFC debut by defeating former champion Jens Pulver by KO in the first minute of their fight. As impressive as that KO was, though, Lauzon is even more impressive on the ground, where 14 of his 18 total wins have come by way of submission. Furthermore, Lauzon always makes for exciting fights, having never gone the distance in 22 professional contests.
This is just not a good matchup for Stout. His best performances come against guys willing to stand and trade with him, where his great chin, punching power, and heart can carry him through to victories. Lauzon, though, is a much more technical fighter with an excellent ground game, and will take this fight down fairly early and submit Stout in routine fashion.
Fight Prediction: Joe Lauzon via first round via armbar.
If you want to add a little excitement to your fight night, you can bet on this fight at Sportsbook.com Odds. They allow you to start with as little as $20, and you can bet on all of the fights for the night. Check out my review of Sportsbook here…
