Battle of Cheesy Nicknames: Kenny Florian vs. Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 13

The nicknames "Ken-Flo" and "J-Lau" probably don't strike fear into the hearts of opponents. Some fans have jokingly responded by saying that the winner of this match-up should be able to change their nickname. But the skills and potential of Kenny Florian (8-3) and Joe Lauzon (16-3) are hard to deny, regardless of whatever alias they choose to take. Their main event fight on April 2nd at UFC Fight Night 13 in Colorado promises to be an affair that will have serious repercussions on the stacked lightweight division of the UFC.

As alumni from the popular television show The Ultimate Fighter, both Florian and Lauzon enjoy a growing fan base that has been eagerly awaiting this all-important match-up. Florian was a finalist on the first season of TUF, and has fought the former lightweight champion Sean Sherk. Lauzon gained notoriety after knocking out the original lightweight champ, Jens Pulver, in 48 seconds in a fight where he was a 7 to1 underdog. Both combatants have six wins in their last seven fights and are looking to become the top contender in the division with a victory on Wednesday. 

Florian fights out of Boston and has been practicing with Nexus Martial Arts. His training partners for this fight included Murilo Rua, Patrick Cote, Marcus Davis, and Jorge Rivera, amongst others.

Lauzon was also born in Massachusetts, and has a degree in computer science from a Boston college. He has been training with BJ Penn in Hawaii. Penn is slated to fight for the lightweight title against Sean Sherk on May 24 at UFC 84. Penn suggested that Lauzon take the nickname "Creepy," but fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view) he ended up going with "J-Lau."

Recent controversy brewed when Lauzon criticized Florian’s reaction after the latter’s victory over Din Thomas. Thomas had blown out his knee during the fight, and Florian was not aware of that when he gave his post-fight victory speech, emphasizing that he “finishes fights.” Lauzon said he would not celebrate in that manner if his opponent had injured himself during the fight.

Florian responded by saying that he was unaware of what happened until after the fight, and that “Joe is being pretty stupid” (about the whole ordeal). He also referred to Lauzon as “little BJ Penn,” since they have been training together and Penn is known for his sharp tongue.

A little bit of animosity can give fighters the edge they need to secure a win.

Both men are well-rounded athletes with good conditioning, so cardio should not be an issue here. Florian has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is trained in Muay Thai. He possesses sharp elbows that can cut up any opponent and leg kicks that sting. Lauzon has showed some power in his hands but his specialty is on the ground, where he uses his speed and submission skills to tap out his opponents.

Lauzon will most likely overwhelm Florian on the mat, possibly stopping him in the first or second round. Florian can never be counted out though, due to his heart and elbows that can end a fight at any moment.

Yet, I think Lauzon will be very aggressive and force a submission or tko, and if not, look for him to earn the decision victory. Lauzon will be looking to pass guard and then do some damage to set up a finishing submission. 

On the feet, I give Florian the edge, but I think most of this fight will take place on the ground.  Lauzon has more experience, yet Florian has had more fights in the Octagon.

Lauzon returns after a very impressive submission victory where he choked out Jason Reinhardt in one minute. Florian will be looking to impress and move back into title contention. The winner of this fight will climb the lightweight rankings, possibly towards a shot at the belt later this year.

Lauzon is focused and should be sharp after training with Penn for this fight. Florian is motivated and will be prepared for a war. UFC Fight Night 13 is loaded with superb lightweight action, and the main event will be the proverbial icing on the cake. Let the battle of cheesy nicknames commence.