Sherdog.com’s 2014 Round of the Year

5. Joe Lauzon vs. Michael Chiesa -- Round 1
UFC Fight Night “Jacare vs. Mousasi 2”
Sept. 5 | Mashantucket, Conn.

Lauzon is one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s most notorious bonus collectors. The Bridgewater, Mass., native does not waste time beginning his cash grab, often attacking with all-out aggression from the opening bell.

While his clash with Michael Chiesa at a UFC Fight Night event in Connecticut ended prematurely when the bout was halted in the second round due to nasty cut above Chiesa’s right eye, the opening frame showcased two offensive fighters at their finest. By Lauzon’s standards it was somewhat of a slow start, as both men spent the first few minutes of the frame jockeying for position along the fence.

Business began to really pick up with about two minutes to go, as Chiesa drove a knee to Lauzon’s chest before tossing “The Ultimate Fighter 5” veteran to the canvas. Chiesa, who owns five victories via rear-naked choke, took his opponent’s back and began working to secure both hooks. Lauzon was having none of it, as he was able to turn and move into full mount before quickly transitioning to back control. Chiesa’s predicament appeared to be dire, but he sat up near the fence and landed punches over his shoulder while Lauzon attacked with punches and elbows from the rear. Finally, with 20 seconds to go, “Maverick” exploded to his feet. The waning moments of the round featured a furious exchange, with Lauzon initially pressing the action, only to eat a jumping knee and body kick for his troubles. Chiesa continued to apply pressure right up until the horn, landing another kick and a barrage of punches as time expired.

While the first round was up for grabs, Chiesa was left to wonder what might have been when the ringside physician halted the bout 2:14 into the second stanza after Lauzon opened him up with a knee. He has yet to achieve the resolution he desires.

“I haven’t really processed it,” Chiesa told Sherdog.com a couple months later. “It’s tough when you lose but you don’t get beat.”

Chiesa may have a loss on his official record, but he and Lauzon were well-compensated for their abbreviated battle: Their lightweight clash took home “Fight of the Night” honors, hardly a surprise considering the athletes involved. Maybe a few more rounds might be a good idea.

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