UFC 123: Joe Lauzon vs George Sotiropoulos on tap for Nov. 20
by Jesse Holland on Sep 8, 2010 9:22 AM EDT
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There's a fantastic lightweight match-up brewing between up-and-coming division prospects Joe Lauzon and George Sotiropoulos, as the Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veterans are currently in talks to throw down at the upcoming UFC 123 pay-per-view on Nov. 20 in Auburn Hills, MI.
MMAmania.com confirmed the pending match-up earlier today.
Lauzon (19-5) vaulted himself back into the 155-pound title hunt with a first round ass kicking of Gabe Ruediger at the UFC 118: "Edgar vs Penn 2" pay-per-view event last month in "Beantown."
It was an impressive rebound win for "J-Lau," who suffered just his second Octagon loss back in January after dropping a unanimous decision to the venerable Sam Stout at UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" in Las Vegas.
Overcoming the Aussie could push the former computer geek into a rematch with Kenny Florian -- or perhaps even bigger and better things.
After getting bounced from TUF 6 by now-exiled Tommy Speer, Sotiropoulos (13-2) has been nothing short of unstoppable, including a unanimous decision win over fellow submission specialist Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 116: "Lesnar vs. Carwin" back on July 3.
The convincing win over "Batman" was his seventh straight. In fact, his only loss in the past five years was a disqualification to Shinya Aoki, after Sotiropoulos kicked the Tobikan in his little Judans.
I don't think it's a stretch to call this one an early candidate for fight of the night.
UFC 123 is expected to be headlined by a light heavyweight match up of top contenders Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Karo "The Heat" Parisyan has also been given a second chance at UFC stardom against Dennis "Superman" Hallman.
Stay tuned for more UFC 123 fight announcements as they become available.
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Fantastic!
Exactly what I was hoping for, I don’t even care who wins. Kickass fight.
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
I think it’s a good fight as well. I don’t count Joe’s loss to Stout all that much as Joe was coming off of a huge layoff. His intensity and pace could cause problems for G-Sot, but Geoge has looked great as of late too especially since finding his velcro pants. Good fight
Myth: Three Americans die every year from rabies. Fact: Four Americans die every year die from rabies.
Sick, sick, sick fight!!
I really hope it’s a tactical, high paced, back and forth ground war.
Arm.bar.bandit saw me slow dancing with Anderson Silva. I had my hands on his ass.
Great match up!!!
I still see George winning this.
10-08-28 BJ Penn exposed for the 7th time!!!!
by hairybumcrack on Sep 8, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Me too.
This fight is a fantastic match-up. ufcaddict summed it up well. Should be great.
"THIS IS THE GREATEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS!"
Gus Johnson will never live that down and it should never be forgotten.
Card is looking very solid. Very exciting match up considering the last 2 victories by both LW's were impressive. UFC is striking while the iron is hot.
"Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
Joe's performance in Boston was the craziest thing I've ever witnessed.
Following the win, that is loudest I’ve ever heard an in-door crowd. It was totally electric in the Garden. If Joe comes out like he did in Boston, I think he takes it. Anything less, and George will likely take a very close decision.
’’They've done studies you know... 60% of the Time, it works every Time...’’ – Brian Fantana
I thought they said that he was one fight away from a title shot
And all he has to do is beat Lauzon? Screw that. Give this guy BJ Penn!
Stop disrespecting FreeNow's UFC rule, most of the time it's fact:
Losers get losers, winners get winners. BJ and Kenny should fight each other.
Shit son, how many people do I have to educate here…
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
Apparantly my education is just begining
I don’t want to see a Kenny/ BJ rematch at all and def not for a title. I think G-Sot should face some stiffer competition.
by PetrozellisJab on Sep 8, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
G-Sop should have gotten Gomi
But maybe this means the UFC is looking into BJ vs Gomi for a UFC headliner later this year/ early next year, or possibly as the co-main to the NYE show
I should never have doubted the wisdom of David W-S or the talent of Junior Dos Santos…and screw Dana White
LATE TAKEDOWN FTW
That would have been badass too
I agree though, I expect the UFC to put on a BJ Gomi rematch, and New Year’s doesn’t sound bad at all. He and Silva get paired up pretty often and the word is Silva will be fighting then or Super Bowl weekend.
by PetrozellisJab on Sep 8, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Superbowl weekend UFC PPV= my birthday weekend UFC PPV
I like it.
I should never have doubted the wisdom of David W-S or the talent of Junior Dos Santos…and screw Dana White
LATE TAKEDOWN FTW
Well, I don't know if BJ is stiff competition in his current mind state.
Kenny would work, but he also needs a tune up fight.
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
yep. so lauzon is a great choice in my opinion.
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
We'll see, I'm sure it's going to be a great fight. Just wasn't the opponent I was expecting.
But I’m only PetrozellisJab and not JoeSilva, so I guess I’ll cough up my $50 and see what happens.
by PetrozellisJab on Sep 8, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
haha we are slaves to the great Joe Silva, and nothing we can do about it.
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
I'm fine where I'm at
That guy’s the man.
by PetrozellisJab on Sep 8, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed on George getting stiffer competition...
I think this is a terrible matchup for Lauzon. He is outclassed on the feet (George has shown great boxing skills as of late) and probably on the ground too! Dont think it will be a fight at all. My money is definetely on George if the odds are even close to being even.
George by sub R2
by Zlatan, My Hero on Sep 8, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Wrong. Joe has lost twice by sub, and actually George never has.
So until you start backing up your gut feelings with some correct evidence, they will be quickly dismissed.
Why would you state something untrue on a site...
where the MMA-knowledge is WELL above average?!
Last time i checked he got choked out by Florian and that’s kind of how i see this fight playin out! Getting tagged on the feet and then subbed!
by Zlatan, My Hero on Sep 9, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
My post was meant for Bullybeater of course!
by Zlatan, My Hero on Sep 9, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
LOL Zlatan, dude.
you just TOTALLY 100% fucked yourself there. Last time I checked, Kenny TKO’d him from mount after 3 minutes of punches and elbows. So now I ask you, Why would you state something untrue on a site where the MMA-knowledge is WELL above average?!
And besides, Bully was saying he didn’t think Joe was ever sub’d. He never claimed it was true. And he was just predicting Joe to submit George. Its not a far cry at all. I think Joe could KO, TKO, or submit George, where George could do the same back. Light up on the guy. Oh, and learn your history while you’re at it.
I should never have doubted the wisdom of David W-S or the talent of Junior Dos Santos…and screw Dana White
LATE TAKEDOWN FTW
LOL sorry. Very very true!
Totally remembered the ending of that fight different…
But I KNEW Joe had been submitted before and I KNOW George hasnt! Usually, I never snap at people, (i dont comment so much at all) or write anything that i havnt doublechecked in order to NOT look like an ass (like now) in front of smartasses like you jk.
But i really hate short cocky moronic answers BASED on something inccorrect WITHOUT any explenation. And i was late to court!
But i still see it like the Florian fight… except it ends the way i had it pictured when i wrote my little angry keyboard-warror comment. That means, same same… but giving his back up and getting choked out!
by Zlatan, My Hero on Sep 9, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s understandable, Zlatan. The main thing, however, is that your disparagement would be somewhat justified if Bullybeater was acting like an ass or a know-it-all or anything of that nature. But he was just being honest. Nothing wrong with that.
"THIS IS THE GREATEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS!"
Gus Johnson will never live that down and it should never be forgotten.
Cool, but as I stated...
Its the short answers without any form av backup that annoys me. See it and get it all the time, just unfortunate that he got the heat for it now…
On a side-note, without being an ass… Being called ‘Zlatan’ is a little wierd and funny :)
by Zlatan, My Hero on Sep 9, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha, yeah, I thought of that. But I thought to myself, I’m not going to call you My Hero. That would be even weirder. :)
"THIS IS THE GREATEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS!"
Gus Johnson will never live that down and it should never be forgotten.
haha i thought the same Jack. ZMH just doesn't roll well either
and no worries dude. i see what you mean about how it could go similar to Lauzon vs Florian. G-Sop sticks to you in grappling. His mount is just as tight as Kenny’s and BJs.
I should never have doubted the wisdom of David W-S or the talent of Junior Dos Santos…and screw Dana White
LATE TAKEDOWN FTW
Maybe it wouldn't be disrespected if you didn't name the rule after yourself. LOL
Not like you’re a scientist that found a star or doctor that found a new disease. : – )))
Anderson Silva is by far the number one P4P king!!! Even when he is losing a fight he still comes back and finishes for the win! GSP dominates the whole fight and still can't finish! LOL
I thought that rule was obvious to most.
That is why Wandy should never have got to fight Jardine after losing to Chuck when Jardine just beat Chuck, but they wanted Jardine as far away from a title shot as possible and they counted on Wandy aggresive style to solve their problem. It worked out well for them.
by Ade on Sep 9, 2010 5:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Screw those rules. A good match-up is a good match-up.
"THIS IS THE GREATEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS!"
Gus Johnson will never live that down and it should never be forgotten.
LOL Very true!
The UFC would never follow such black and white rules bc it’s all about the entertainment value and selling fights. Even though B.J. just lost (twice) he is still ranked higher than most and I’m sure a fight that most LW would want, even if their on a win streak. A win over B.J. is big for anyone. and if B.J. is on the decline then get him now before he is talked about like Chuck or Wandy. I think those guys are just done, but with B.J. it just seems that he doesn’t want to put in the effort to stay on top. SAD
Anderson Silva is by far the number one P4P king!!! Even when he is losing a fight he still comes back and finishes for the win! GSP dominates the whole fight and still can't finish! LOL
Indeed. And regarding BJ, I really don’t get it. It seems so strange BJ would lose to Edgar so easily. I know Edgar is a gun, but jeez, BJ got dominated. He has this “be first” attitude which is really good, but if he ain’t first he declines rapidly.
And now Edgar has two wins over him. I can see how BJ comes across as a dick to a lot of people, I can understand their point of view, but I personally can’t help but like him and root for him. The second loss bummed me out.
"THIS IS THE GREATEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS!"
Gus Johnson will never live that down and it should never be forgotten.
Me too!
B.J. just wasn’t himself that fight or the other one. He showed zero emotion before both of those fights. My girl said that he looked drugged. And he did. I just think that he doesn’t want to be there anymore. Only thing that I can come up with. I was expecting to hear his retirement after that fight.
Anderson Silva is by far the number one P4P king!!! Even when he is losing a fight he still comes back and finishes for the win! GSP dominates the whole fight and still can't finish! LOL
i think its a bit of a step back for georgey boy
'BOOM RIGHT ELBOW! BOOM RIGHT STRAIGHT!! MAYBE NOW THE HEADBUTT COMES!! KNEE TO THE FACE!!! SMACK HIS FACE!!!' - Bas Rutten
Twitter: Beardy_Langford
I totally agree with you, but Joe did look awesome against Gabe.
Hypothetically I think if Evan Dunham beats Sean Sherk (which I anticipate he will) winner of this fight should get him for a #1 contenders match.
Realize people may say that Joe doesnt deserve it, but look at Chael. He strung together a few wins where he was the underdog, then almost pulled off the biggest upset of the year.
Anybody agree?
That was against Gabe
I think Evan Dunham is def in a contender bout, no question about it.
And I guess I can see the Chael comparison with this being something like the Dan Miller / Sonnen fight.
by PetrozellisJab on Sep 8, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I think the winner should fight Dunham
He’s been the underdog in all his fights before this Sherk fight. I think he’s long overdue for some respect and credibility. Dunham vs G-Sop for a No.1 contender, if George wins this
I should never have doubted the wisdom of David W-S or the talent of Junior Dos Santos…and screw Dana White
LATE TAKEDOWN FTW
Agreed, Dunham vs Lauzon/Soto winner
That’s a fight I’d like to see and should definitely be for the #1 contender spot.
"Howard, you really think they're gonna let you put out a whole movie just about tits?"
"Sure, who doesn't like tits?"
--The Aviator
Yeah, I agree with you. George should mop the floor w/ Lauzon. I thought they were gonna give him BJ or Florian? Probably didn’t want either of those guys to pick up another loss….
by HappyLittleTreez on Sep 8, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope Joe comes in top shape and with high pace like against Gabe.
Then it will be a great fight regardless.
BJ Penn is the biggest waste of talent in MMA history. Like usual, my pick was wrong and I blame a certain pudgy Hawaiin for my own short comings when it comes to talent selection. As it stands BZ – 3 Freenow82 – 1.
I Don't Doubt Joe Will Be Tough For Sots....
But I expected George to get an opponent a little higher up the ladder. Maybe Gomi or something. I guess Sherk/Dunham is looking like the next title shot match. Well, almost definitely if Dunham wins it.
Shogun's knee will explode for the final time when Rashad shoots for the takedown.
After Gray of Course.
Shogun's knee will explode for the final time when Rashad shoots for the takedown.
george s. looks like stallone in the face a little bit
Activia; now with bullshitifus ridicularus
by salamagogo on Sep 8, 2010 11:28 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
im going for the aussie
not a big j-lau fan after he dogged his brother.even thou he was probably in the right
george better not get a title shot after a win
The Red Wings will come back stronger
RESTORE THE ROAR 2010 Detroit Lions
Yeah, 7-0 in the UFC. No way he deserves a shot.
Who gets the winner of Maynard/Edgar BTW?
To be the best you gotta be one crazy son of a bitch…and that’s the truth - BJ Penn
by BNF on Sep 8, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
7-0 yes
but he hasnt fought the elite of the lw divison
The Red Wings will come back stronger
RESTORE THE ROAR 2010 Detroit Lions
im pretty excited we get george s in the detroit goldie.
Previously DrewMoney$$$ "banned from sbnation" ...
by DetroitDrew1980 on Sep 8, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
If he wins no one else will be more deserving. You can't really argue that.
Edgar/Maynard should fight shortly after this fight, so the timing will work out as well.
To be the best you gotta be one crazy son of a bitch…and that’s the truth - BJ Penn
by BNF on Sep 8, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
gotta suck for George
dude should be fighting someone thats higher up in the rankings but this will be a good fight both are really well rounded but gotta give the advantage to george in this fight
george vs kenny ?
I thought that would have been better.
And joe vs terry etim
But this will work too
My Top MMA Talents
1. Jon ''Bones'' Jones
2. Anthony ''Showtime'' Pettis
3. Phil ''Mr. Wonderful'' Davis
4. Terry Etim
5. Patricio ''Pitbull'' Freire
by robinhorobson on Sep 8, 2010 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If it wasn't for..
Joe’s last performance I wouldn’t be as undecided as I am. Granted it was against Gabe, but that kind of pace would be hard for anyone, and I never really thought of george as fast/explosive guy.
Finish Him!
Sweet matchup
I think Lauzon is maybe as skilled on the ground, and a more dangerous stand-up game. I’m picking J-Lau.
YES!!
im physicked to see george back in the cage, i love that guy hes super talented. I see george winning this by UD. And then after he wins the ufc has no choice but to finally give him a shot at that title. I think this is a step up for joe and not rly a step up for george but then again who else is there for him to fight besides B.J but thats not possible
WOW
Great card so far! Hoping for no injuries.
Do not. I repeat, do not, go to mma-core.com. I made the mistake of watching a couple UFC 108 bouts on there and I am still trying to get all the viruses of my computer. Ridiculous! You've been warned.
by fenderacoustic (formerly wAyNe) on Sep 8, 2010 5:34 PM EDT reply actions
I'll go with
the Prodigy’s prodigy.
Do not. I repeat, do not, go to mma-core.com. I made the mistake of watching a couple UFC 108 bouts on there and I am still trying to get all the viruses of my computer. Ridiculous! You've been warned.
by fenderacoustic (formerly wAyNe) on Sep 8, 2010 5:34 PM EDT reply actions
Fantasy Football...
Hey anyone that is interested: me and some guys from BuyMMACards have a fantasy league set up but we need 3 more guys. Let me know if you’re interested: Brandaloo@msn.com
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