UFC Fight Night 26 Preview

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Lightweights

Joe Lauzon (22-8, 9-5 UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (12-8, 4-4 UFC)

The Matchup: Not all that long ago, it seemed as if Johnson had turned a corner in the UFC. A three-fight winning streak against Shane Roller, Tony Ferguson and Danny Castillo showcased a number of desirable attributes: quick hands, good footwork, solid defensive wrestling and toughness, to name a few. Lately, though, “The Menace” has taken a giant step backward. He looked completely helpless on his back in a decision loss to Myles Jury at UFC 155; and, on the brink of a first-round stoppage against Reza Madadi after landing a head kick at UFC on Fuel TV 9, Johnson faded down the stretch before being submitted in the final frame.

In short, it might not be the best time to be paired with the promotion’s undisputed post-fight bonus collector. Lauzon did not have the most sparkling of records in 2012 -- he went 1-2 -- but two of those bouts were “Fight of the Year” candidates that firmly established the Brockton, Mass., native as a must-see attraction for violence lovers everywhere.

After falling victim to an Anthony Pettis head kick at UFC 144, Lauzon waged memorable battles in a win over Jamie Varner and a loss to Jim Miller, all while making strides to dismiss the notion that he was a fighter only capable of going hard for a single round. In both of those bouts, Lauzon did some of his best work in round three. While “J-Lau” is known for going all-out in the opening five minutes, Johnson can no longer assume that his opponent will have expended too much energy if they see a second frame.

Lauzon might not be the overall athlete that Johnson is, but he knows how to use his accurate boxing to land combinations and transition to takedown attempts. Lauzon’s ground game is the real danger, especially considering how much Johnson has struggled on his back lately. Lauzon is one of the most active submission specialists in the UFC, and his ability to chain together multiple attempts, whether on top or on his back, means Johnson will have few opportunities to relax.

The Pick: While Johnson can certainly hold his own against Lauzon in exchanges, he will gradually wilt in the face of his opponent’s overall package of aggression. Lauzon wins by submission in round two.

Last Fights » The Prelims