Jeremy Stephens Replaces Franca in UFN 17 Main Event
Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens will replace Hermes Franca and take on Joe Lauzon in the main event of UFC Fight Night 17 on February 7th in Tampa, Florida.
MMAFrenzy.com confirmed the replacement earlier this evening and Spike TV has since publicly announced the lineup change.
Stephens (16-3) has won four of his last five bouts overall and three of his last four in the UFC. He was most recently in action at UFC 91 in November, scoring a third-round knockout of Rafael dos Anjos that earned him “Knockout of the Night” honors. “Lil Heathen” had been scheduled to fight Efrain Escudero at UFC Fight Night 18 in April prior to filling in for Franca, though that matchup now depends on how much damage he takes against Lauzon.
Lauzon (17-4) has lost just once in his last eight fights, including four wins in the UFC. He last defeated Kyle Bradley via second-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 15 in September.
For the latest UFC Fight Night 17 rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com UFC rumors section.
Tags: Jeremy Stephens, Joe Lauzon
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i like stephens but i have a feeling he will get submitted in the first round by lauzon
That’s a pretty good replacement on such short notice. But, he isn’t on the same level as J-Lau
great replacement cant wait
Lau may end up winning this fight but it won’t be easy way for Stepens to stepup a week and half out, I’m pretty sure that looks good on his resume ala Tim Boetsch
I too think Lauzon will pick up the win, but it won’t be easy. It will be easier than Franca, but still not easy. Still should be a good fight, and if Stephens makes it back to fight Escudero that will still be a great fight.
I definitely think that even if Stephens loses this fight, it won’t be held against him, a la Kos losing to Alves. It definitely seems like Dana takes the “If you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours,” approach when it comes to fighters filling in for injuries.
yeah, win or lose, stephens deserves some serious dap for taking such a good opponent on less than 2 weeks notice…
Thats strange the Lauzon brothers both have opponenents that took these fights on short notice. Id like to see another mortal kombat uppercut by stephens and i think he can take J-lau(i hate that nickname) but if it goes to the ground J-lau will submit lil heathen in no time
bfree,
the difference in this fight will be that Stephens won’t come out and kick Lauzon in the baby maker 3 times within 2 mins. Plus Lauzon isn’t going to win this one like his bro did. another KO of the night for Lil Heathen!!!
Nice. Prefer this fight over Hermes and Joe.