UFC Fight Night 17 Preview
Tampa, Florida - The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to stay busy with yet another night of stellar fights. A lightweight clash between Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon and Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens will headline the card this Saturday night.
The University of Southern Florida Sundome will serve as host and it will air live on SPIKE TV. The main card will feature a showdown between lightweights Mac Danzig and Josh Neer. Heavyweight sensation Cain Velasquez will welcome UFC newcomer Denis Stojnic and Luigi Fioravanti faces Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in welterweight action.
Joe Lauzon was set to face former number once contender Hermes Franca, but do to a torn ACL; Jeremy Stephens will take his place.
Stephens (14-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) currently is a training partner of Franca and his reckless abandon style could give Lauzon fits. Stephens earned “knockout of the night” at UFC 91 with his brutal third round TKO of Rafael dos Anjos.
Joe Lauzon (17-4 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is coming off a TKO victory of Kyle Bradley at Fight Night 15. He’s been victorious seven of his past eight fights, all via stoppage. Lauzon is a good all around fighter with stellar submission skills and a mean right hand.
The Ultimate Fighter season six winner Mac Danzig (18-5-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), will look to rebound from his September unanimous decision loss to Clay Guida. The five time king of the cage champion will have his hands full Saturday with UFC veteran Josh “The Dentist” Neer.
Josh Neer (24-7-1 MMA, 3-4 UFC) has been in the news lately for a New Year’s Eve arrest where he led police on a high speed chase. He last fought against Nate Diaz and found himself on the wrong side of a split-decision. He’s had mix success while in the UFC going 3-4, a win Saturday should place him near the top ten of UFC lightweights.
The two-time All American wrestling standout Cain Velasquez looks to remain unbeaten in his young career as faces Denis “The Menace” Stojnic.
Bosnia and Herzegovina-based Stojnic (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has posted decision victories four out of five times.
The undefeated Velasquez (4-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has shown promise in his first two UFC outings with first round TKO victories over Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien. His powerful wrestling and vicious ground and pound will be a rude welcoming for Stojnic.
The ultra powerful and explosive Anthony “Rumble” Johnson will be on display yet again as he faces Luigi Fioravanti.
Fioravanti (14-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) has been inconsistent throughout his UFC career, but is coming off a victory against Brodie Farber back in December. He’s a well rounded fighter with a purple belt in BJJ. He’ll have a considerable size and reach disadvantage against Johnson.
“Rumble” Johnson (6-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has quickly become a fan favorite for his aggressive and exciting fighting style. A training partner of Strikeforce champion Cung Le, Johnson has displayed a wild array of kicks and punches. His three wins within the UFC have all come by way of knockout and look for number four Saturday night!
PRELIMINARY CARD
• Rob Emerson vs. Kurt Pellegrino
• Dan Miller vs. Jake Rosholt
• Matt Grice vs. Matt Veach
• Rich Clementi vs. Gleison Tibau
• Nick Catone vs. Derek Downey
• Steve Bruno vs. Matthew Riddle
