Sam Stout kicked off UFC 157 preliminary action on FX against Octagon newcomer Caros Fodor.
Both fighters suffered losses in their most recent fights, and the desperation for victory was clear on each end as the fight progressed.
Fodor constantly pushed forward and stayed in Stout’s face with punches and a strong clinch game, but Stout was a little cleaner on the feet and landed the more significant blows throughout.
In addition, Fodor was unable to control Stout on the mat, and the Canadian showed nice takedown defense and superior strength in avoiding Fodor‘s ground game.
For his crisper striking, refined grappling skills and veteran Octagon control, Stout took home a split-decision victory.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
This fight was pretty forgettable. I’ve never been a huge Stout fan, and this fight serves as another instance where he never looked outstanding in any area but was just good enough everywhere to edge his opponent.
In Round 1, Stout secured a takedown late and eventually mounted Fodor as the round ended, and that was the most dominant position established by either fighter throughout the fight.
Fodor, to his credit, looked to be in great shape, but he just could not string anything together against the veteran stout.
What We Learned About Fodor
Fodor showed he has a deep gas tank and can take a shot in this fight. More importantly, he showed he can hang in the UFC’s lightweight division (at least at the lower levels).
What We Learned About Stout
Stout did not show us anything new in this fight. His clinch game and overall grappling looked slightly improved, but overall, it was the same “take a punch to give a punch” Stout we have seen in the past. At this point, it is pretty clear Stout will never be a top-level lightweight, but he is still a good measuring stick for Octagon newcomers.
What’s Next for Fodor?
Fodor looked pretty tough in this fight, and I can see him overwhelming a lower-level lightweight not named Sam Stout in his next outing.
Still, the UFC is handing out pink slips like candy on Halloween, and Fodor might not have another UFC fight on his contract.
If he does, the loser of Dennis Bermudez vs. Matt Grice or Michael Chiesa vs. Anton Kuivanen makes sense for Fodor moving forward.
What’s Next for Stout?
Stout will continue to beat inexperienced and low-tier lightweights while faltering against the division’s best.
The winner of Dennis Bermudez vs. Matt Grice will make a great next opponent for “Hands of Stone.”
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