Lightweights Melvin Guillard and Joe Lauzon are set to meet at UFC 136, where the winner will likely be in contention for a title shot in the near future.
Guillard has reemerged himself in the lightweight division riding an impressive five-fight win streak. Although he possesses good wrestling ability, Guillard has tended to rely on his striking much more, which has seen him pick up his three of his last five bouts via knockout. “The Young Assassin” recently paired up with trainer Greg Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he has evolved as a fighter and been a lot more strategic and patient than usual during his fights. His combination of speed and aggression is what has allowed him to score victories over such fighters as Jeremy Stephens and Evan Dunham.
Lauzon has enjoyed some considerable success throughout his UFC tenure. Despite going 2-2 in his past four bouts, Lauzon holds some of the division’s best Brazilian Jiu-Jtsu skills, earning 16 of his 20 wins via submission. Relying on his conditioning and BJJ, Lauzon is a durable opponent to face and even more difficult to defend against on the ground.
Lauzon will likely be able to withstand some punishment on the feet in order to close the distance and clinch with Guillard to take this bout to the canvas. Guillard has been vulnerable against submission specialists in the past and he obviously will want to avoid the ground at all costs. Guillard’s speed and wrestling should help him keep this fight standing, as Lauzon doesn’t have the striking power to hurt his opponent, nor the wrestling credentials to keep him on the mat. Ultimately, Guillard’s striking will overwhelm Lauzon before sending him to the canvas.
Prediction: Melvin Guillard 1st round KO.
Bleacher Report’s Mike Hodges