Joe Lauzon is great in short stints but he's got to learn how to pace himself. The last time he had a chance to break through into UFC's top five at 155 pounds, he gassed badly against Kenny Florian. The same thing happened tonight versus George Sotiropoulos in the first bout on the pay-per-view portion of UFC 123.
After a strong first round, Lauzon looked exhausted to the start of the second. Ninety seconds into the round, a Lauzon trip failed and the Aussie got into a dominant north-south position on the ground. Sotiropoulos got hold off Lauzon's arm in a kimura and nearly ripped the limb off. With the win at 2:43 of the second, Sotiropoulos moved to 7-0 with the promotion.
UPDATE: Sotiropoulos and Lauzon were given the fight of the night bonus, good for $80,000 each.
UPDATE II: UFC president Dana White announced that Sotiropoulos will fight Dennis Siver at UFC 127 in Sotiropoulos' native Australia.
Sotiropoulos (14-2, 7-0 UFC) admitted that he got off to a slow start.
"It was the calm before the storm," Sotiropoulos told UFC analyst Joe Rogan. "I knew I'd find my range and get in my shots."
Lauzon showed he's a high class fighter in the opening minutes. He was faster in the striking game, tagging Sotiropoulos with several clean rights. His takedown defense was excellent as well, but fatigue set in at around 90 seconds left in the first. Sotiropoulos got top control, providing a preview of what was to come in the second.
Lauzon (19-6, 6-3 UFC) came off his stool with his mouth open and was throwing sloppy, slow punches. Sotiropoulos reversed a Lauzon takedown attempt and moved immediately to north-south position. Once the kimura was locked on, Lauzon tapped almost instantly.
Sotiropoulos was a heavy favorite during Season 6 of "The Ultimate Fighter," but was upset in the semifinals by Tommy Speer. He battled injuries for much of 2008 into early 2009. Now healthy, and happy with his training camp, the Aussie has quickly emerged as a title contender with wins over Lauzon, Joe Stevenson and Kurt Pellegrino.
"I want to face the best," Sotiropoulos said. "I want to earn what I get. I want to make a case for the belt. I'll continue making my case."
Sotiropoulos asked the promotion for a quick turnaround. He'd like to fight in less than 13 weeks when the UFC visits Sydney, Australia on Feb. 27.
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