UFC 118 on Spike: Lauzon returns from injury and destroys Ruediger

After his stint on Season 5 of "The Ultimate Fighter", Gabe Ruediger never got to fight again in the UFC. Maybe now he wishes he had waited a little while longer. Joe Lauzon, returning from a knee injury, slammed, punched, elbowed and finally armbarred Ruediger. It was just over two minutes of absolute domination as Lauzon won via submission in the first round. "Welcome to Boston," yelled Lauzon, who hails from nearby East Bridgewater, Mass. "I'm glad I got to fight here in Boston. I wanted to take his arm and that's exactly what I did."There was absolutely no ring rust from Lauzon, who was returning from a knee injury in January. Lauzon (19-5, 6-2 UFC) set the tone early with a big right and pushed Ruediger against the cage. That's where he got a hold of Ruediger and slammed him to the mat. Ruediger scrambled well but was still getting hit by big shots. He got to his knees and took some massive shots to the face as Lauzon punched underneath his arms. Ruediger actually got to his feet but was nearly suplexed as part of another slam to the mat. This time Lauzon didn't let him up. That's when he unloaded with some huge elbows to Ruediger's face. He bailed at that point giving up his back where Lauzon converted it to the finishing armbar.Update: Lauzon won $60,000 for the submission of the night. Ruediger's reputation took a beating from his appearance on TUF 5. He was pictured eating and relaxing before his first fight and then couldn't make weight. He was quite the drama queen and quit before ever making it to the scale. UFC Dana White booted him from the TUF house dismissed him from the show. The UFC elected not to give Ruediger an official fight after the season was over. He then hit the minor league circuit while Lauzon, also a cast member that season, went on to become one of the hottest prospects in the UFC's 155-pound division. Lauzon went 5-2, winning four postfight award bonuses. Ruediger (17-6, 0-2 UFC) was a fill-in tonight for the injured Terry Etim. We'll see if he gets another shot. This one was pathetic and he once again showed a minor lack of class when he refused to shake Lauzon's hand following the fight.

Monet Mazur Monica Bellucci Monica Keena Monica Potter