In a battle of former Ultimate Fighter winners, Joe Stevenson ended a two-fight losing streak by defeating Nate Diaz by unanimous decision Saturday night at the Ultimate Fighter Finale.The first two rounds were full of action on the canvas, with Stevenson clearly showing that he has improved his jiu jitsu skills by getting the better of Diaz -- a Gracie jiu jitsu brown belt -- on the ground.
It was a very exciting ground battle. By the third round, the fight slowed down a little bit, and the two fighters started yelling at each other in a clinch, with Diaz yelling, "Come on, Joe, get to work!" and Stevenson replying that Diaz should stand up and get his knee off the canvas.
"With my back to the wall, two straight losses, I was afraid to get my third," Stevenson said after the fight, before adding, "That's not what I was afraid of. I was scared of Nate Diaz. He's a great fighter."
Stevenson showed that he's plenty good, too. He's got a long way to go before he'll get another shot at the UFC lightweight title, but Stevenson's win over Diaz was one of the most impressive fights of his UFC career.
Punishing Battle in Finale
Diego Sanchez, left, and Clay Guida stare each other down before their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, bottom, grapples with Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, right, kicks Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, right, punches Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, left, trades punches with Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, bottom, clinches his legs around Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, bottom, elbows Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, right, lands a big punch on Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, right, kicks Clay Guida during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Diego Sanchez, right, kicks Clay Guida to the head during their match at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale on June 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-20-2009 @ 10:47PM
Frederick said...
Stevenson did look much improve.
I would like to see more offense from him but is game as got better with Jackson academy no doubt
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