Joe Lauzon, ladies and gentlemen!
There are several excellent reasons that the veteran UFC lightweight is one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster.
His tendency to engage almost exclusively in wars, his indomitable spirit and the fact that he is a true pioneer of mixed martial arts go some way to explaining his popularity.
But one of the main ways that Lauzon has endeared himself to fight fans the world over is the honest manner with which he approaches the fight game.
Lauzon isn’t one to accept praise that he hasn’t earned and that was clear for all to see at UFC Phoenix on Sunday night when his hand was raised following a contentious decision.
How did you score @JoeLauzon vs. @MarcinHeld last night at #UFCPhoenix? pic.twitter.com/mTr87mT2Kc
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 16, 2017
Most fans in attendance felt that Lauzon’s opponent, Marcin Held, had earned a pretty clear victory due to his domination in grappling exchanges for large stages of the fight.
And the shock was visible on Lauzon’s face as Bruce Buffer announced a split decision victory in favour of The Ultimate Fighter 5 cast member.
‘J-Lau’ shook his head in disagreement and immediately explained to commentator Jon Anik that he felt the judges got it wrong.
It was an amazing show of honesty and one that continued backstage, as Lauzon revealed his plans to speak to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby and urge him to keep Held, who has now lost his first two fights with the promotion, signed to a deal.
“I was in his shoes last time, and he’s coming over from Bellator, and they match him up with Diego Sanchez, he has a tough outing at altitude, and then I think he gets screwed on a decision (against me),” Lauzon said, in quotes appearing on MMAJunkie.com.
“That’s super crappy. That’s a really bad start, 0-2, and he’s really good. I’ll be harassing Sean Shelby, (saying), ‘You’ve got to keep that guy around. He’s really, really good.'”
Joe Lauzon is one of the good guys!
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