Joe Lauzon Makes Quick Work of Melvin Guillard

Big left hand leads to rear naked choke finish inside first minute

Joe Lauzon brought Melvin Guillard’s rapid ascent up the lightweight ranks to a screeching halt in the opening bout of the UFC 136 pay-per-view.

Lauzon capitalized on Guillard’s aggression and cockiness, catching him with a quick left hook that put “The Young Assassin” on roller skates. The Massachusetts native charged in and quickly took Guillard’s back. Lauzon quickly dug in his hooks, sunk an arm under Guillard’s chin, and forced Guillard to tap to a deep rear naked choke.

The victory is the bigger of Lauzon’s career since earning a surprise knockout win over Jens Pulver prior to starring on Season 5 of The Ultimate Fighter, a season coached, ironically, by the former UFC lightweight champion.

In submitting Guillard, Lauzon adds his name to the crowded list of contenders in the 155 pound ranks.