UFC 142 Fight Card: What to Expect from Sam Stout

Sam Stout is returning to the octagon for the first time since June 2011 and, unfortunately, for the first time since trainer Shawn Tompkins passed away.

So what can we expect from Stout in his return?

Fireworks.

"Hands of Stone" Stout is a feared Canadian striker with one-punch knockout power who recently put Yves Edwards' lights out worse than anyone ever has.

He is facing Brazilian grappler Thiago Tavares.

Tavares showed in his most recent fight against Spencer Fisher that he can deal with a tough striker. 

He took Fisher down, dominated him and eventually earned a TKO victory (only the second of his career) in the second round.

However, Tavares has been knocked out by guys who don't have the power that Stout does.  If Stout connects on just one good punch, it could be lights out for Tavares.

But is there still a danger of Stout getting taken down and submitted?

Stout has only been finished once in the UFC and it was by title contender Kenny Florian, so it's unlikely that Tavares will be able to really push Stout around.

If there is any risk, it's that Stout will get over-aggressive in an attempt to prove something a la training partner Mark Hominick.

But if Stout manages to not get over-aggressive and is able to either keep Tavares at bay with strikes, or time his shot and hit him with a knee, he'll knock Tavares out and earn a third straight win.