Ht/Wt: 5’9”/155 lbs.
Age: 22
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Fighting out of: Des Moines, Iowa
Record: 13-3
The stakes: Fresh off a dispiriting loss to Spencer Fisher at “The Ultimate Fighter 7” Finale, Stephens now finds himself back on the preliminary portion of the card, matched against a dangerous UFC newcomer. This is hardly unfamiliar territory for Stephens, who made his name with a brutal ground-and-pound stoppage of noted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle aficionado Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 12. Stephens will need more of the same against Dos Anjos if he wants to keep his spot in the UFC secure.
The breakdown: As explosive a striker as there is in the lightweight division, what really sets Stephens apart is his submission defense and preternatural penchant for delivering ground strikes with brutal accuracy and power. Those aren’t bad skills to have against the submission savvy Dos Anjos, who will undoubtedly look to tap out the Iowan.
Dos Anjos Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’9”/155 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Fighting out of: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Record: 11-2
The stakes: Like any UFC new jack, Dos Anjos knows the list of rookies who lost their first time around in the Octagon is long but hardly storied. With the UFC lightweight title situation in flux thanks to B.J. Penn’s upcoming welterweight sojourn, the door’s open for youngsters to stake their claim.
The breakdown: It’s no secret that Dos Anjos excels on the ground, but if he plans to continue that trend, he must employ a cautious approach, as Stephens can turn a small bit of carelessness into a massive mistake at a moment’s notice. Collapsing the pocket early, taking the clinch and maintaining top position while searching for low-risk submissions will be the way to victory for Dos Anjos. Trying to turn heads and letting the chips fall where they may will end with Dos Anjos falling to the mat with Stephens’ fists not far behind.
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The bottom line: This just isn’t a good style clash for Dos Anjos, who has to be picture perfect to win. Stephens can load up on strikes from a distance, stave off takedowns and be content in the knowledge that he can survive being on the ground with a jiu-jitsu player. Watch for early adversity to force Dos Anjos’ hand, as he grows increasingly desperate in search of a takedown. Stephens capitalizes and scores a resounding knockout win.