Veteran Joe Stevenson Cut from UFC

Four consecutive losses brings TUF 2 winner’s time in Octagon to an end

Former UFC lightweight title contender Joe Stevenson has been released by the organization.

Stevenson dropped to featherweight

As first reported by MMAFighting.com’s Mike Chiappetta, the news comes as with Stevenson having lost four straight inside the Octagon.

A fan favorite, Stevenson battled BJ Penn for the lightweight championship at UFC 80. “Joe Daddy” was submitted in the second round and the loss serves as the starting point of a ten-fight stretch that has seen Stevenson manage just three wins.
After dropping three straight fights at lightweight, the 29-year-old dropped to featherweight for his last fight in hopes of re-starting his stalled career in the 145 pound ranks. Unfortunately for Stevenson, he looked hesitant throughout his featherweight debut, dropping a unanimous decision to Javier Vazquez, making today’s news not at all unexpected.

The Victorville, California native rose to fame as the winner of Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter. Stevenson competed as a welterweight on the UFC reality show, defeating Marcus Davis and Jason Von Flue before scoring a unanimous decision win over Team Hughes teammate Luke Cummo in the finale.

Stevenson leaves the UFC with an 8-8 record inside the Octagon, including wins over Yves Edwards, Melvin Guillard and Nate Diaz. His last victory came at UFC 104 against Spencer Fisher.