Lauzon (18-4) has been sidelined since February after undergoing major knee surgery that was expected to keep him out until mid-2010, but with his recovery ahead of schedule he’ll likely return to action in January looking to pick up where he left off. “J-Lau,” a semi-finalist on TUF 5, is 6-1 since joining the UFC in 2006, losing only to contender Kenny Florian while most-recently picking up back-to-back wins over Kyle Bradley and Jeremy Stephens.

Stout (14-5-1) was scheduled to fight Phillipe Nover earlier this month at UFC Fight Night 19, but a seizure suffered by Nover on fight night forced the bout to be canceled. “Hands of Stone” won “Fight of the Night” honors for his unanimous decision win over Matt Wiman in April at UFC 97, which snapped a two-fight losing streak.

For the latest UFC 108 news and UFC 108 rumors stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com

Joe Lauzon

PRESS RELEASE — More than five weeks after knee surgery, UFC lightweight prospect Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (18-4, 5 KOs, 13 submissions) is rehabilitating his leg, and recovery is ahead of schedule.

Lauzon had ACL surgery and his meniscus repaired on his right knee March 6. “Everything went as scheduled,” he reported. “My meniscus was repaired and the ACL cadaver grafting was successful. My doctor was very happy and optimistic that my knee will be strong. Right now, I’m walking around like a normal person; no training but I’m doing some light jogging, leg presses and squats. I’m going to lose muscle in the leg. Range of motion is the key right now. I can completely straighten my leg. I can bend it 135 degrees and 150 is normal.”

“J-Lau” goes for a follow-up exam next Thursday, which will change his rehabilitation process, but he can’t fight until the grafting is fully healed, which probably won’t be until the spring of 2010. The 24-year-old Lauzon is not about to rush his recovery, despite his competitive drive, and desire to be fighting again.

“All that was protecting my knee was muscle and now that’s gone,” he noted. “It‘s going to take time to build-up. I’ll probably be back on the mat in six months, but just doing light stuff, no live action. ACL surgery rehab is notorious for having people rush back too soon, resulting in more ACL surgery, and I’m not risking that.”

Lauzon, star of The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality show, feels great and has been completely overwhelmed by the responses he’s received from his fans. “It’s been awesome,” Joe described all of the well wishers. “A bunch of people have emailed me and some have had ACL surgery, too. We correspond, week to week, and I’ve received a lot of good advice and pointers about a lot of things like different ways to ice my knee or stretch out. One kid had ACL surgery the same day as me and we compare notes all the time. I’m coming back better than ever.”

For more information about Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, or to send him get well wishes, go online and visit www.joelauzon.com.

Josh Koscheck

• Welterweight Nick Thompson has signed with Strikeforce.
• After undergoing a knee surgery following his UFC 92 loss to CB Dollaway, UFC middleweight Mike Massenzio will soon undergo neck surgery to repair several bulging discs that are causing stingers. He’ll be sidelined for six months to recover from the surgeries.
• A heavyweight boxing match featuring Tim Sylvia and Ray Mercer will headline Adrenaline MMA’s third event, which will take place on May 30th in Atlantic City.
• Sengoku Seventh Battle will air live on HDNet while DREAM 7 will be broadcast on the network on tape delay.
• Following his UFC 95 unanimous decision win over Troy Mandaloniz (which earned “Rude Boy” his release from the promotion), Paul Kelly will drop to the 155-pound lightweight division.
• Rory Markham fought (and ultimately lost) to Dan Hardy in the UFC 95 co-main event with a collapsed lung.
• Tickets for UFC Fight Night 18, which takes place on April 1st at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee and is headlined by Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann, start at just $20 with floor seats maxing out at a mere $200.
• Following his loss to newcomer Paulo Thiago at UFC 95, Josh Koscheck will return to action at UFC 98 in May.
• Bellator Fighting Championship this week announced the signings of lightweight Daniel Morales, welterweights Omar De La Cruz and Jorge Ortiz, and featherweights Estevan Payan and Luis Palomino. The promotion also announced that its April 3rd event will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida and will feature the first round of featherweight, lightweight, and middleweight tournaments.
• Georges St-Pierre’s camp filed an official response to the NSAC this week concerning allegations of intentional greasing during his UFC 94 win over BJ Penn.
• UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon will be sidelined a minimum of twelve months to recover from a knee surgery he’ll undergo next week.
• UFC veteran Din Thomas has signed a three-fight contract with Affliction.
• Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Ross Ebanez has been added to DREAM 7 on March 7th.
• Todd Duffee vs. Mustapha Al-Turk has been added to rumored lineup for UFC 99.

Joe Lauzon Submits Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night 17

After a close first-round, lightweight Joe Lauzon forced late-replacement Jeremy Stephens to submit to an armbar late in the second-round of their headlining matchup, which capped off UFC Fight Night 17 on Saturday at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

Heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez, veteran Josh Neer, and knockout artist Anthony Johnson also picked up main card victories.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 17 RESULTS

• Joe Lauzon def. Jeremy Stephens via submission (armbar) — Round 2, 4:43
• Cain Velasquez def. Denis Stojnic via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 2:34
• Josh Neer def. Mac Danzig via submission (triangle choke) — Round 2, 3:36
• Anthony Johnson def. Luigi Fioravanti via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:39
• Kurt Pellegrino def. Rob Emerson via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 2, 3:14
• Dan Miller def. Jake Rosholt via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 1:03
• Matt Veach def. Matt Grice via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:34
• Gleison Tibau def. Rich Clementi via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 4:35
• Nick Catone def. Derek Downey via submission (keylock) — Round 2, 1:15
• Matthew Riddle def. Steve Bruno via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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.

Hermes Franca

Hermes Franca has been forced to withdraw from his headlining bout at UFC Fight Night 17 against Joe Lauzon after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee.

Franca announced the injury and withdrawal late last night on The Underground.

UFN 17 takes place on February 7h at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida and airs live on Spike TV. With less than two weeks until fight night the UFC is seeking to quickly find a replacement to take on Lauzon. However, it’s likely that Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer, a previously scheduled main card bout, will now headline the card.

Franca’s injury, which was suffered on Saturday, marks the second main card change in the past week. On Friday Amir Sadollah withdrew from his bout against Nick Catone after suffering a broken clavicle while training.

The UFC has not yet announced the injuries of Franca or Sadollah and replacements have not yet been named for either fight.

For the latest UFC Fight Night 17 fight card check out the MMAFrenzy.com UFC rumors section.

MMAMania.com first reported the potential lightweight main card bout yesterday.

After defeating former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver in his UFC debut, Lauzon appeared on The Ultimate Fighter, advancing to the semi-finals before being ousted by eventual runner-up Manny Gamburyan. After submitting Brandon Melendez on the show’s finale, Lauzon moved to Hawaii to train full time with BJ Penn. Following a first-round submission of Jason Reinhardt, Lauzon was TKO’d by Kenny Florian in mid-2008 but bounced back with a second-round TKO of Kyle Bradley at UFC Fight Night 15 in September.

After four-straight UFC victories and eight-straight overall Franca challenged then lightweight champion Sean Sherk for the 155-pound title, but was defeated by unanimous decision. Following the fight, Franca tested positive steroids and was suspended from competition for one year. After losing to Frankie Edgar in a “Fight of the Night” at UFC Fight Night 14 in July, Franca rebounded to top Marcus Aurelio via unanimous decision at UFC 90 in October.

Also slated for UFC Fight Night 17 is Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer and Amir Sadollah vs. Nick Catone.

For the latest UFC Fight Night 17 rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com UFC rumors section.

For round-by-round UFC Fight Night 15 results click here.

Tonight’s event takes place at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska.

Josh Neer vs. Nate Diaz, Clay Guida vs. Mac Danzig, Alan Belcher vs. Ed Herman, and Eric Schafer vs. Houston Alexander are slated for the main card Spike TV broadcast while Joe Vedepo vs. Alessio Sakara, Wilson Gouveia vs. Ryan Jensen, Kyle Bradley vs. Joe Lauzon, Jason Brilz vs. Brad Morris, Mike Massenzio vs. Drew McFedries, and Dan Miller vs. Rob Kimmons will take place on the preliminary card.

Continue reading for LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 15…

QUICK RESULTS

• Nate Diaz def. Josh Neer via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Clay Guida def. Mac Danzig via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Alan Belcher def. Ed Herman via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Eric Schafer def. Houston Alexander via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:53
• Alessio Sakara def. Joe Vedepo via KO (kick) – Round 1, 1:27
• Wilson Gouveia def. Ryan Jensen via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 2:04
• Joe Lauzon def. Kyle Bradley via TKO – Round 2, 1:34
• Jason Brilz def. Brad Morris via TKO – Round 2, 2:54
• Mike Massenzio def. Drew McFedries via submission (kimura) – Round 1, 1:28
• Dan Miller def. Rob Kimmons via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 1:27

RESULTS

JOSH NEER VS. NATE DIAZ

ROUND 1 – Inside leg kick from Neer to open the fight. Neer says he wants to test Diaz’s chin but instead takes him to the canvas. Neer works a D’arce choke then a guillotine but Diaz defends. Neer takes Diaz’s back and slams him to the ground then picks him back up and looks to do it again, but Diaz works a standing kimura. Neer escapes but Diaz is able to escape into the clinch. Another takedown but Neer but they both get back to their feet in a scramble. Good exchange as both fighters connect. Solid combination by Diaz including good shots to the body. More punches by Diaz set up a judo throw and Diaz is into side control but Neer reclaims his guard. Solid punches from the top by Diaz are countered by a good elbow from the bottom by Neer. Diaz takes his back in the closing seconds but Neer stays calms and rides out the final seconds. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Diaz.

ROUND 2 -Diaz throws punches and knees to the body to open the second. They head to the canvas and they scramble for position. Diaz puts Neer back on the ground and works from Neer’s guard. Diaz works a knee bar then tries to pass but Neer keeps him away with upkicks. Some ground and pound by Diaz from the top but Neer gets back to his feet. Neer dumps Diaz to the canvas and takes Diaz’s back and gets hooks in. Neer works for a rear naked choke but Diaz is slick and gets away. Armbar by Neer also slips away and Diaz tries for a triangle but Neer works into his guard. Neer gets back to his feet and works kicks. Diaz gets back to his feet but Neer connects with strikes. Diaz fires back with punches. Knee and elbow by Neer. Diaz looking to setup another judo throw but Neer stays in the clinch and both fighters remain active against the cage to close out the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Neer.

ROUND 3 – Diaz comes out and throws punches to open the first. Neer counters with a knee. Diaz works for a takedown from the clinch but Neer defends and takes Diaz’s back. Diaz gets back into the clinch and this time successfully takes Neer to the canvas. They scramble and Diaz returns to his feet while Neer remains on the ground. Diaz nearly falls into and armbar but escapes and is back to his feet. Punches from the top by Diaz, who gets back into Neer’s guard. Neer looks for an omoplata but Diaz avoids. Neer gets back to his feet. They tussle for position then go the ground and Diaz takes Neer’s back. Diaz moves to mount but Neer reclaims his guard. Punches from the top by Diaz. Omoplata attempt by Neer is again avoided but Neer takes his back. Diaz turns out and they clinch then Diaz gets another takedown. Body shots by Neer. Judo throw by Diaz puts Neer on the canvas one final time and this one is over. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Diaz and the fight 29-28 Diaz.

Nate Diaz def. Josh Neer via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

CLAY GUIDA VS. MAC DANZIG

ROUND 1 -Guida is aggressive as always but Danzig fires away first with a combo. Another combination by Danzig has Guida backing away but Guida finally connects with an inside leg kick. More leg kicks by Guida connect. Guida shoots in but Danzig defends and stays on his feet and they clinch against the fence then separate. Crisp striking by Danzig continues to connect but Guida easily secures a takedown. Danzig has a kimura but Guida escapes. Danzig works back to his feet but Guida picks him up and slams him back onto the canvas. They’re back on their feet briefly and Danzig secures a guillotine but Guida slams him down and escapes then works ground and pound from the top. Danzig gets back to his feet just before the end of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Guida

ROUND 2 – Guida connects with kicks to open the second. Combo by Guida. Danzig connects but Guida gets a takedown. They return to their feet and Guida lands another combo punctuated by a knee. Danzig fires back with punches and Guida counters. Guida shoots for the takedown and he’s successful but Danzig gets back to his feet. They continue to tradeshots with Guida getting the better of the exchanges. They clinch and Guida drops for a takedown. Danzig puts up a fight but Guida’s successful in getting Danzig to the canvas. Guida supplexes Danzig then takes his back. There’s 30-seconds left and Guida works to finish Danzig off with a rear naked choke but he survives the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Guida.

ROUND 3 – Guida looks for a takedown but Danzig sprawls and stays standing. Guida shoots in again and they clinch against the fence. Danzig grabs for a guillotine but Guida escapes. Danzig connects with a solid combination then shoots for a takedown of his own. They head to the canvas and Danzig grabs a kimura but Guida escapes and takes Danzig’s back. Danzig gets back to his feet and turns around but Guida continues to press for another takedown and is finally successful. Guida again takes Danzig’s back and softens him with punches and knees to the body. They get back to their feet momentarily before Guida puts him on the ground again. Danzig works back to his feet but Guida is relentless and again puts Danzig on his back and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches from the top. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Guida and the fight 30-27 Guida.

Clay Guida def. Mac Danzig via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

ALAN BELCHER VS. ED HERMAN

ROUND 1 – Belcher comes out swinging and Herman is glad to exchange. Herman shoots for a takedown but it’s stuffed by Belcher and they clinch against the fence. There’s little action and they’re separated and restarted. Good kick to the boyd by Belcher. Herman fires back with a combo. Nice jab by Belcher. Herman catches a kick and clinches with Belcher against the cage. Belcher works knees to the body but it’s not enough and they’re again restarted. Solid combos from both fighters are finding their marks. Uppercut by Herman stuns Belcher but he stays on his feet and they lock up again. Good punch by Herman in the clinch sets up a takedown and he presses Belcher against the fence. Herman works a d’arce choke on the ground but Belcher escapes and gets back to his feet but Herman slams him back to the canvas. Herman again looks for a D’arce choke on the ground but Belcher defends until the end of the frame. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Herman.

ROUND 2 – Herman misses his opening punch and Belcher makes him pay. The fighters continue to exchange and trade combos. Belcher connects and closes the distance but Herman recovers and counters. Right by Belcher finds Herman’s chin but Herman fires back a combo. Another combo by Herman. Belcher works punches to the body then connects with a big punch that staggers Herman back to the fence. Belcher closes again but Herman recovers and they continue to trade punches. Herman grabs onto a kick and tags Belcher. Herman grabs another kick and this time puts him onto the canvas. Ground and pound by Herman from half guard. Herman works to pass but Belcher does a good job on controlling him and eventually works back to his feet. The fighters slow as the round nears the end. Belcher connects with a late superman punch and Herman counters with a solid combo to close out the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Belcher.

ROUND 3 – Herman and Belcher touch gloves and we resume where we left off with both fighters throwing punches. Belcher’s instructed not the throw kicks but he continues to kick Herman’s body which have set up several good punches and a takedown early in the fight. They clinch but are quickly restarted. Good jab by Herman. Jab by Belcher connects. Herman fires back but Belcher connects with a an elbow on a spinning backfist. Herman secures a takedown from the clinch and works from Belcher’s half-guard. Herman works to get into side control but Belcher sits up and gets back to his feet. Herman is tired and Belcher connects with punches. Herman though secures another takedown and is quickly into full mount then takes Belcher’s back. Belcher rolls back into mount but Herman rounds out the fight with ground and pound from the top. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Herman and the fight 29-28 Herman.

Alan Belcher def. Ed Herman via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

ERIC SCHAFER VS. HOUSTON ALEXANDER

ROUND 1 – They touch gloves and circle. Alexander has him cornered against the cage and knocks Schafer to the canvas with a huge knee. Schafer narrowly survives and looks for submissions on the ground but he’s unable to secure anything and Alexander allows him to return to his feet. They clinch and Schafer works for the takedown but Alexander displays good takedown defense and remains on his feet. They back away from the cage trade knees to the body. Schafer earns a hard-fought takedown and works from side control. Alexander is in trouble and Schafer secures a guillotine but Alexander escapes, though Schafer has full mount. Schafer works ground and pound from the top but Alexander survives the barrage of punches for now. Schafer secures an arm triangle in the closing seconds of the opening round and Alexander is forced to tap at 4:53 of the first.

Eric Schafer def. Houston Alexander via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:53

JOE VEDEPO VS. ALESSIO SAKARA

ROUND 1 – Vedepo shoots for an early takedown but Sakara defends. Vedepo connects in the clinch and stuns Sakara before separating. Sakara connects with a right high kick that knocks Vedepo out cold.

Alessio Sakara def. Joe Vedepo via KO (kick) – Round 1, 1:27

WILSON GOUVEIA VS. RYAN JENSEN

ROUND 1 – Jensen and Gouveia touch gloves then circle. Gouveia blocks a high kick. Gouveia counters with kicks of his own before Jensen stuns him with a right kick. Jensen takes Gouveia to the ground and presses him against the cage. Gouveia looks for an armbar but Jensen escapes and throws a series of wild punches. The fighters work back to their feet and Gouveia takes the Nebraskan fighter down but Jensen reverses and takes Gouveia’s back. Gouveia works back into guard before the first round comes to an end. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Jensen.

ROUND 2 – Gouveia connects early with a jab but Jensen lands an unintentional kick to the groin. After a brief break we’re back underway and the fighters exchange. Jensen gets a takedown and lands in half-guard. Gouveia secures an armbar and Jensen is forced to tap out at 2:04 of the second.

Wilson Gouveia def. Ryan Jensen via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 2:04

KYLE BRADLEY VS. JOE LAUZON

ROUND 1 – Lauzon and Bradley circle early then Lauzon closes the distances clinches. Lauzon drops to the canvas and works for a leg lock but he’s unsuccessful and they return to their feet. They trade knees then Bradley stuns Lauzon with a right but he recovers and they circle. Combo by Lauzon is countered by a body shot from Bradley. Lauzon and Bradley both land solid shots before the close of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Lauzon.

ROUND 2 – Bradley is throwing strikes to open the second but Lauzon closes in the secures a takedown. Lauzon is quickly to full mount and reigns down punches from the top forcing the referee to intervene.

Joe Lauzon def. Kyle Bradley via TKO – Round 2, 1:34

JASON BRILZ VS. BRAD MORRIS

ROUND 1 – Morris grabs an early Morris kick and slams him to the ground. Brilz quickly passes to side control then takes Morris’ back but he’s unable to finish him off as Morris defends the choke attempts. Morris rolls over and Brilz is now in mount but backs into side control and connects with elbows. Late keylock and armbar attempts by Brilz are unsuccessful before the first round concludes. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Brilz.

ROUND 2 – Morris connects early in the second with a combination then looks for the takedown but Brilz reverses into Morris’ guard. Brilz again moves to side control and tries for an armbar but it’s unsuccessful. The Nebraska-native works punches to the head then gets mount and finally takes his back where he continues to connect with punches to the head. A few more shots connect and the referee has seen enough and steps in to save Morris.

Jason Brilz def. Brad Morris via TKO – Round 2, 2:54

MIKE MASSENZIO VS. DREW MCFEDRIES

ROUND 1 – Massenzio avoids a punch from McFedries and secures an early takedown. Massenzio transitions to side control but McFedries reclaims his guard and looks for a triangle but Massenzio escapes to north-south. Massenzio secures a kimura and forces McFedries to tap at 1:28 of the first.

Mike Massenzio def. Drew McFedries via submission (kimura) – Round 1, 1:28

DAN MILLER VS. ROB KIMMONS

ROUND 1 – Miller and Kimmons throw punches to open the fight then clinch. They scramble and Miller takes Kimmons’ back and gets hooks in. Kimmons defends the rear naked choke briefly while remaining on his feet but the IFL champ sinks it in deep and Kimmons drops to the canvas before tapping to the choke at 1:27 of the opening round.

Dan Miller def. Rob Kimmons via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 1:27

Remember, MMAFrenzy.com will have LIVE coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 15 card tomorrow evening beginning at 6pm ET.