UFC 91: Stephens over powers dos Anjos

Lightweight “Lil’ Heathen” Jeremy Stephens (15-3) TKO’d  Rafael dos Anjos (12-1) with a monster uppercut at 0:39 of the third round at UFC 91 in Las Vegas Saturday night.

Stephens started the match with some solid striking; but, Dos Anjos scored a takedown.  Stephens gained half-guard and successfully defended two omoplata attempts, the second of which ended at the bell as Stephens’ shoulder was bent to the brink.

Taking the advice of his corner, Stephens kept the fight standing in round two, circling and throwing powerful right crosses and overhands.

Approximately 90 seconds into the round, dos Anjos scored a Matt Hughes-style slam and transitioned out of a crucifix, taking Stephens’s back and working for a rear naked choke.

Stephens rolled out of the position and fought off a very close armbar attempt, ending up in dos Anjos’s guard.   Stephens rained down elbows, forcing dos Anjos to go on the defensive.

Stephens struck like lightning at the beginning of round three, winding up and throwing a long right uppercut that landed on dos Anjos’s jaw, snapping his head back and leaving him unconcious against the cage.