The UFC continues their blitzkrieg of 2009 with their third event of the year this Saturday night. UFC Fight Night 17 will take place in Florida and is the first of two UFC events to be broadcast for free on SpikeTV in the month of February.

Joe Lauzon vs. Jeremy Stephens – Joe Lauzon was originally slated to face Hermes Franca in the UFN 17 main event, but Franca recently had to withdraw due to an injury. Jeremy Stephens, a fighter who trains with Franca, was called on to step in on short notice and fight in the main event spotlight.

While I think Lauzon vs. Franca would have been a fun fight, I actually like this matchup a bit more as I think it will be a more interesting fight. Stephens is an explosive striker who has the power to end a fight early against anyone who’s defense isn’t up to par. Stephens ground game is his weakness which will play right into the hands of Lauzon if Jeremy can’t keep the fight standing up.

Joe Lauzon is a submission specialist and the antithesis of what Jeremy Stephens brings to the Octagon. I anticipate Lauzon will try and exchange punches with Stephens at the beginning of the fight, but will quickly realize the error of his ways and work to drag Stephens to the mat. Once the match hits the ground, I think it’s only a matter of time before Lauzon locks on a submission and ends the fight, but while the fight does last, I think it should provide non-stop action. Winner: Joe Lauzon

Cain Velasquez vs. Denis Stojnic – In a sense I feel bad for Denis Stojnic. Cain Velasquez only has four fights to his credit, but all four fights ended by brutal TKO in the first round. Stojnic himself has a solid record at 5-1, but he has never faced anyone like Cain Velasquez.

Velasquez is one of the bright and shining upcoming stars in the UFC heavyweight division, and this matchup on free SpikeTV is a great way for the UFC to showcase him. Look for another first round TKO by Velasquez as this fight should end pretty quickly. Winner: Cain Velasquez

Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer – Mac Danzig is, and will continue to be one of those fighters who just is out of place in the UFC. Danzig is a natural featherweight who is competing at lightweight in the UFC because of his opportunity to appear on season 6 of The Ultimate Fighter. Danzig has the skills needed to compete at this level, but his size is just going to keep him from competing for a title.

Josh Neer is coming off a difficult and well-publicized incident involving his arrest for DUI in Iowa last month. While the UFC decided to keep Neer in the organization and on the fight card, the incident had to have played some factor in his training for this fight. Neer is a tough-nosed fighter who has bounced back and forth from welterweight to lightweight during his career.

Danzig needs to try and work some submissions against Neer on the ground, as Neer has shown himself susceptible during his career. However, I think Neer’s size is going to be too much of a factor for Danzig to handle. Winner: Josh Neer

Luigi Fioravanti vs. Anthony Johnson – While I’m a big fan of Anthony Johnson and think he has a great future in the UFC’s welterweight division, I think this matchup against Luigi Fioravanti is not a good one. Fioravanti is a good fighter who doesn’t get the skills recognition he deserves. Johnson will definitely want to stand and strike with Luigi, but I think Fioravanti will be able to use his superior wrestling to his advantage and keep Johnson under control on the ground. I never count Johnson out with his explosive striking, but I see this one ending in decision with Johnson short on points. Winner: Luigi Fioravanti

Kurt Pellegrino vs. Rob Emerson – Winner: Kurt Pellegrino
Dan Miller vs. Jake Rosholt – Winner: Dan Miller
Matt Grice vs. Matt Veach – Winner: Matt Grice
Gleison Tibau vs. Rich Clementi – Winner: Gleison Tibau
Nick Catone vs. Derek Downey – Winner: Nick Catone
Steve Bruno vs. Matthew Riddle – Winner: Steve Bruno