UFC Fight Night 19 Preview: The Prelims

Jeremy Stephens vs. Justin Buchholz

The Storyline: Stephens had his streak of fighting Brazilian opponents snapped when freshly signed Ronnys Torres from the currently all-conquering Nova Uniao team had to withdraw from this fight due to an undisclosed injury. Former Icon Sport and Alaska Fighting Championships lightweight champ Justin Buchholz took the fight on four weeks’ notice.

The Breakdown: Stephens went from being one of many talented youngsters on the UFC’s roster to a legit lightweight prospect when he knocked out the previously highly touted Rafael dos Anjos with a highlight-reel uppercut last November. He’s lost two in a row since that win, however.

Buchholz is 1-2 in three UFC appearances, with his win coming via submission over Corey Hill. He might have a slight edge on the ground over Stephens. With that said, although Stephens prefers to fight standing up, he has been working on his ground game diligently with his coach and BJJ black belt Hermes Franca. He still needs to put in some extra hours, though, as he was armbarred by Joe Lauzon in February.

The Prediction: Stephens has a good frame and very good punching power for his weight class. I envision him being pulled off Buchholz no later than the second round as he pounds his way to victory.