UFC 155: Lauzon vs. Miller

Jim Miller (21-4) vs. Joe Lauzon (22-7)

In the only lightweight bout on UFC 155’s main card, Joe Lauzon will look to upset Jim Miller.

Miller is coming off a crucial loss to Nate Diaz that would have potentially set him on track for a title bout. The once highly touted, up-and-comer will have another tough fight this time in Lauzon, who is coming off a win against Jamie Varner. Both of these fighters are as good as it gets for never having had a shot to earn the title. A win here will propel one of them to potentially get a shot at Benson Henderson, who beat Miller just two fights before winning the lightweight crown. Ultimately, even though Miller has lost two of his past three bouts, he has fought better competition and is now more ready to beat up on a fighter like Lauzon who is exciting to watch, but not as technically sound as some others. Take MILLER as the favorite to win this one.

Miller should consider himself lucky in this one—he was originally set to face Gray Maynard, who had to pull out because of an injury. Miller has lost two of his past three fights—falling to Henderson and Diaz—but beat Melvin Guillard in between. Before the loss to Henderson, Miller had won seven consecutive bouts, all a part of UFC. A dangerous boxer, wrestler and Jiu-Jitsu artist, 12 of Miller’s 21 career wins have been submissions, adding three knockouts. Three of Lauzon’s seven career losses have been submission and it looks like this bout could be headed that way, ending before the final bell.

Lauzon has won three of his past four bouts, including a win against Guillard. But he also hasn’t seen the top-notch fighters like Henderson and Diaz to prepare him for a fight like this. He too likes to win via submission: 18 of his 22 career wins have come that way. Miller’s loss to Diaz was a submission, but Miller should be able to prepare well against Lauzon, who is less of a multi-dimensional fighter. If Lauzon cannot get an early submission here, it will be tough for him to walk out of the Octagon a winner, no matter how exciting he is sure to make the fight. Play against.