Training injury forces Jeremy Stephens to withdraw from UFC Fight Night 20 bout against Nik Lentz
by Jesse Holland on Dec 9, 2009 3:15 PM EST
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The injury bug has bitten again, this time afflicting lightweight standout Jeremy Stephens, who has officially withdrawn from his UFC Fight Night 20 bout against Nik Lentz on January 11 in Fairfax.
MMAmania.com confirmed the injury with Stephen's camp earlier today.
While the undisclosed injury will not require surgery, "Lil Heathen" is expected to be out of action for a couple of months to heal up.
Stephens recently improved his record to 5-4 in the UFC. He was last seen pounding out Justin Buchholz at UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City back on Sept. 16 after dropping two straight to Hermes Franca and Gleison Tibau, respectively.
Despite those back-to-back losses, fans have not forgotten his "Knockout of the Night" at UFC 91: "Couture vs. Lesnar" when he sent Rafael dos Anjos back to Brazil with a thundering uppercut that he threw from what appeared to be the center of the cage.
It was among the most devastating finishes of 2008.
Stephens had really stepped up his training in anticipation of this event, calling on Josh Neer and Diego Sanchez to help refine every aspect of his offense and defense.
Unfortunately it may have cost him the Jan. 11 fight.
Lentz, who may still have time to receive a replacement fighter, is on a eight-fight win streak that dates back more than two years. He is a Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product who has competed primarily on the local circuit for most of his career.
"The Carnie" recently scored a unanimous decision win over Rafaello Oliveira in his Octagon debut at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" back on Sept. 19 and also outpointed UFC veteran Drew Fickett at SNMMA: "Beatdown at 4 Bears" to make a name for himself earlier this year.
An announcement on his fate in Fairfax is expected soon.
UFC Fight Night 20 features a rematch between Ultimate Fighter rivals Gray Maynard (8-0) and Nate Diaz (11-4), who will duke it out in a possible number one contender bout for the 155-pound title. Undefeated lightweights Efrain Escudero and Evan Dunham are also scheduled to hook 'em up.
For more on UFC Fight Night 20 click here.
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They seem to reuse old articles
Because I recognize that whole part about the Anjos KO as well in the exact same language
"If you're not a fan of Hulk Hogan, you're not a fan of entertainment in sports"
--Goldberg.
"Kimbo is dominating on the ground"--Rogan
"Kimbo throws that jab to finish fights"--Goldberg
Thats a shame
Im still on the fence about going to this fight as its the UFCs first in the DC area but i have my reservations
dude.....i am
recent cuts
brock larson, roli delgado, and Denis kang
Brock and kang are legit. maybe never hold the belt but good fighters who are fun to watch. Roli on the other hand is imo the weakest fighter to fight in the ufc ever. I dont even think he could hang in the wec or srikeforce, and for that matter he would get stomped in japan as well.
That's too bad
about Larson and Kang. I’d have like to seen larson get at least ne more chance. As for Kang, I’m pretty surprised. They did give him fight of the night honours in his last performance. And although he has a knack for losing the big fight, he’d be an interesting match up for lots of middleweights. He is a good guy to round out a PPV with. And entertaining. Sounds like a potential solid pick up for Strikeforce. He probably wouldn’t be a superstar there, but would help round out the MW division in any organization.
Tavares is in
I just read Tavares is replacing Stephens. Good replacement.
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