Two of the UFC’s most exciting lightweights had been calling each other out and the bout was rumored for a Las Vegas event, but now the UFC has confirmed that Joe Lauzon and Anthony Pettis will instead collide in Japan at UFC 144 in February:
Verbal agreements are in for a match between two of the most exciting lightweights in the sport as Joe ‘J-Lau’ Lauzon will face Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis February 26th in Saitama, Japan,” confirmed UFC president Dana White today.
Both men are coming off impressive wins, with Lauzon derailing Melvin Guillard’s title aspirations in less than a minute, while Pettis showed his willingness to follow a careful gameplan when he defeated the always-dangerous Jeremy Stephens via decision with a methodical, takedown-based attack. UFC 144 is expected to take place at the Saitama Super Arena on February 26th.
Joe Lauzon (21-6)
Win Melvin Guillard (submission – RNC) – UFC 136
Win Curt Warburton (submission – kimura) – UFC on Versus 4
Loss George Sotiropoulos (submission – kimura) – UFC 123
Anthony Pettis (12-2)
Win Jeremy Stephens (unam. decision) – UFC 136
Loss Clay Guida (split decision) – TUF 13 Finale
Win Ben Henderson (unam. decision) – WEC 53