In the opening fight of the UFC on Fox 9 main card broadcast, Lightweight Joe Lauzon (23-9) beat Mac Danzig (21-12-1) by unanimous decision. Lauzon improved to 10-6 in the UFC while Danzig dropped to 5-8.
Throughout the fight, Danzig performed well on the feet. He landed more often than Lauzon standing while showing better handspeed and movement. Unfortunately, he couldn't keep the fight there. Lauzon hit takedowns in every frame and easily advancing position. In the second round he hit an elbow from guard that left Danzig leaking blood for the rest of the fight. The final round was his most dominant where he set up in the mounted crucifix position to unleash elbow after elbow then moved to mount to do the same.
What was the high point of the fight?
The third round when Lauzon hit the mounted crucifix. Danzig's face was already a bloody mess and Lauzon just unleashed punishment with those elbows.
Where do they go from here?
It was a solid performance from Lauzon, but it's as clear now as it ever was that he's just not an elite competitor. That said, he's a recognizable name and a fight night bonus machine. His roles is to continue to get feature bout against exciting fighters to put on a show for the audience.
Danzig is now on a three-fight losing streak and only 1-3 in his last four. It's probably time the UFC dropped the TUF 6 veteran.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Go ahead and hold off on this one. It's a decent fight and worth seeing, but the co- and main event demand your attention first.