UFC 144 results: Anthony Pettis head kick knocks out Joe Lauzon

The UFC 144: "Edgar vs. Henderson" main card on pay-per-view tonight (Sat., Feb. 25, 2012) in Japan kicked off with a lightweight battle pitting former WEC champion Anthony Pettis against longtime contender Joe Lauzon.

The winner wasn't promised a title shot but would most certainly be making their case for one, especially with Ben Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar going down later in the night. An impressive victory by either man would give them the leverage needed for a call out.

It's no surprise, then, that when Pettis knocked Lauzon on his ass with a huge left head kick and finished him with punches he immediately climbed the cage and mock wrapped a belt around his waist.

After a knockout victory in just over one minute, he's got every right to be doing so.

Pettis opened up the offense by firing off a kick that slapped the side of Lauzon and sounded much worse than it was. His hope, I believe, was to use that as a pace-setter but Lauzon didn't back off in the slightest, maintain his aggressive stance and pressing the action.

Big mistake.

Pettis, a Duke Roufus trained kickboxer, unleashed a monster left high kick that fooled "J-Lau" bad enough to catch a knockout. Lauzon thought he was going low, and paid a heavy price for it.

Anyone think Pettis should earn a title shot on this win?

Remember, too, to check out our ongoing live coverage of the UFC 144 main card action by clicking here.