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The main event at UFC 91 is the biggest fight in MMA history, and it very well could be the driving force behind the biggest buy rate in UFC history. However, for new fans who are tuning in to see Randy Couture take on Brock Lesnar, you’ll be treated to one hell of a co-main event when Kenny “Ken-Flo” Florian takes on Joe “Daddy” Stevenson at 155 pounds.
Lets start with Florian, one of the most methodical fighters in mixed martial arts today. With a professional record of 12-3, Florian was thought to have earned the title of “Number 1 Contender” to the Lightweight Title after his win at UFC 86 over Roger Huerta. That was a systematic dismantling of Huerta, one of the most exciting fighters in the division, and one of the toughest. But a matchup with BJ Penn for the title would have to wait, as BJ is pegged to fight Georges St. Pierre at UFC 94 in Vegas. Instead of waiting around, Florian’s a gamer, and he wants to fight, so he’s getting back at it, even if it means losing that Number 1 Contender title. In an interview with MMA Weekly, Florian said “I just love to fight and I told the UFC that not only did I want to fight, but I want to fight someone tough.” Since losing to Sean Sherk for the Lightweight belt more than 2 years ago, Florian has racked up 5 straight wins including stoppages against Din Thomas and Joe Lauzon before his unaimous decision over Huerta. Florian will pick you apart standing up, choosing his battles wisely and scoring until he decides to take you down. Once on top, Florian delivers the most devestating elbows you will see in the sport. In terms of the 155 pound division, Florian is one of the most well rounded fighters and one of the craftiest. And he comes to finish fights. 7 of Florian’s 8 wins inside The Octagon are by TKO or submission.
His opponent is one of the most accomplished lightweight fighters, and a fellow alumnus of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV. Joe “Daddy” Stevenson sits with a 34-8 pro record, he’s 6-2 in his 3 years plus with the UFC. What Stevenson does is push forward, he’s always moving forward and he’s always doing it at a high pace. After winning 4 straight fights, Stevenson got his shot against BJ Penn at UFC 80 to get that “Number 1 Contender” title for Sean Sherk’s belt (at the time). After putting up a hell of a fight in the first round, Stevenson eventually was choked out by The Prodigy at 4:02 of the second round. But a flying guillotine choke at UFC 86 got him a submission win over Gleison Tibau, and has his confidence level high. Yet in many minds, Stevenson enters as the underdog, going against the red hot Florian. But that seems to have motivated Stevenson. “It has pushed me to go the extra mile, so it’s worked out really well for me,” was Joe’s quote to MMA Weekly earlier this week. Because of Stevenson’s quick strike ability, he can never be called the underdog, and his experience will serve him well against the crafty Florian.
Regardless of the outcome, you’ve got 2 of the top fighters at 155 going at it Saturday night in Vegas, and you’ve got a great co-main event to really showcase the excitement and the caliber of the Lightweight division. We’ll preview the big one later this week.
