Joe Lauzon went 1-2 in 2012 but the numbers on paper don't show the true story. After this year, I feel Joe's stock is better than it's ever been. Yes Joe got knocked out by Pettis, but Pettis is the current #1 contender and is one of the best kickboxers in the division, and handed the current champ his only loss in his last 17 fights so it's nothing to be ashamed of. After that he came back and showed he's no longer 1st round Lauzon and is dangerous now at any moment of the fight. The pace he's kept in his last two outings should let everybody know that they can't hope to simply outlast him anymore as he's now put on two potential fight of the year fights back to back against 2 very tough opponents, finishing one in the last moments of the fight with a great triangle, and coming close to submitting a legit BB again in the last moments of the fight. While his record on paper doesn't warrant it, I'd love to see him matched up against another top 10 fighter. Fights against Cerrone (if he loses to Pettis) or Nate Diaz would be great.
I don't really think so. He fought his fingers to the bone but fighters' stocks simply don't rise to new heights after coming off of any loss. And solid as Jim Miller is, he's still not quite a top contender as of now, at least not to the extent of Nate Diaz, Frankei Edgar or Anthony Pettis. And it is kinda painful for me to say this as I am a definite J Lau fan, in terms of his fighting style and demeanor alike.
Stylistically, Guillard should be able to beat Lauzon every time. Lauzon doesn't have the type of takedowns that Guillard is susceptible to. But I would pick Lauzon in that rematch because he finds ways to win while Guillard finds ways to lose.
Why not? If you're going to lose, losing like he did against Miller shouldn't lower your standing at all. He looked better than he has before and I think his standing should go up as it showed that while he's not quite good enough for top 5 yet, he should be at least top 10 I'd think or close enough to warrant matches against them. He's a game opponent for anybody. Plus not to mention his fights against Varner and Miller were both short notice fights. He looked a lot better in defeat than Leben, Belcher, Boetsch and Dos Santos all did for sure
Always been a huge Lauzon fan. Incredible how he seemed so fresh in the third round considering the blood loss and general punishment he'd been forced to endure. He's definitely a rare breed.
His stand up is sub par. No defense on his feet whatsoever. He is what he is, to watch him over the cream of the crop in the sport, I think not.
even coming off another FOTN performance I'm not quite sure Lauzon's stock is as high as the TS believes Lauzon is constantly in exciting fights, but it seems like he can't win enough to be seriously considered for a title shot (losses to Pettis, Stout and now Miller) he's still super tough and a tough go for anyone at 155, but I don't necessarily think his stock improves by losing to Miller. as for Joe's standing in the division, I'd say he's still mid tier. Wouldn't quite have him at top ten ... probably top 15 though
It's amazing too considering that it's not that long ago that Joe gassed against Sotoropulous (or however you spell it) after the first round where he was beating him fairly easily but just couldn't maintain his pace. Now he's doing 3 round fight of the years and still maintaining his 1st round Lauzon dangerousness, while having lost more blood than when you donate
He certainly is one of my favorites. He will continue to be a great addition to any card. He always brings it.
Well Sherdog currently has him on the fringe of the Top 10, but they've still got Frankie and Guida ranked. With their two spots gone, I wouldn't say it's that hard to fit him into spot 9 or 10
I'm excited any time I see that he's on a card. He's always fun to watch and it's hard to ask for more than that. He's awesome.
old news but Guida and Edgar are dropping to Featherweight but even so .. is Lauzon a worthy entry as a top 10 candidate .. especially coming off a loss to Miller? it was a very entertaining fight, but Joe took a beating that 1st round. Came back strong but lost a close decision with guys like Bendo, Pettis, Melendez, Maynard, Cerrone, Jim Miller already ranked I don't think putting Lauzon in makes much sense. He hasn't consistently beaten the opposition to warrant a top 10 ranking. Shucks the Guillard win was a huge upset at the time, with Melvin on the brink of a title shot .. and then Lauzon follows up with getting his lights put out vs Pettis his next fight. Joe did bounce back with a nice submission win over Varner, but this loss to Miller is a setback if anything. Oh well at least he was entertaining. Hopefully he can come back strong in 2013 and put some wins together
