Joe Stevenson

Joe Stevenson
Born	Joseph Christopher Stevenson (1982-06-15) June 15, 1982 Torrance, California, United States
Other names	Daddy
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight	145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
Division	145 (2011–present) 155 (2006–2011) 170
Reach	70.0 in (178 cm)
Style	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Collegiate Wrestling
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Victorville, California
Team	Cobra Kai Laimons School Jackson's Submission Fighting
Rank	black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu   black belt in Judo
Years active	1999–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	45
Wins	31
By knockout	6
By submission	15
By decision	10
Losses	14
By knockout	2
By submission	4
By decision	8
Other information
University	Victor Valley College
Spouse	Billie Jean
Notable school(s)	Silverado High
Website	http://www.joestevenson.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: September 29, 2009

Joseph Christopher Stevenson (born June 15, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Competing as a welterweight, he won The Ultimate Fighter 2 welterweight tournament. Stevenson fought most of his UFC career as a lightweight, and made his featherweight debut at UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry. Stevenson is noted for his effective use of the guillotine choke.

Personal life

Stevenson's father died from bone marrow cancer. Stevenson and his first wife, Lisa, have two sons, Joe Jr. and Tyler.

Stevenson and his second wife Maia have two sons, Frankie and Maximus.

He graduated in the class of 2000 from Silverado High School in Victorville, California.

Training

Stevenson began wrestling at the age of 11 and started Jiu Jitsu at the age of 13. He has spent most of his recent training at Marc Laimon's Cobra Kai in Las Vegas. However, in March 2008, Stevenson opened his own school in his hometown of Victorville, California. "Joe Stevenson's Cobra Kai" teaches MMA as well as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. On November 8, 2008, Stevenson earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Robert Drysdale. After his loss to Diego Sanchez, Stevenson got a call from Rashad Evans for an invite to check out his camp at Jackson's Submission Fighting. After being reluctant at first, he finally joined Greg Jackson's camp in April 2009.

MMA career

Stevenson was one of the more experienced fighters participating in The Ultimate Fighter 2. He had a professional record of 24-6-0 and held the 155 lb (70 kg). championship at King of the Cage and the 170 lb (77 kg). at Gladiator Challenge going into the show.

On November 5, 2005, Stevenson defeated Luke Cummo by unanimous decision, winning The Ultimate Fighter 2 welterweight tournament and earning a six-figure contract with the UFC, UFC president Dana White said "That this fight was Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar on the ground".

On April 6, 2006, in his first fight after winning The Ultimate Fighter 2, he was upset by Josh Neer at Ultimate Fight Night 4, losing the fight by unanimous decision. Following the loss, Stevenson announced that he would drop down to the lightweight division for future bouts.

On July 8, 2006, at UFC 61, Stevenson won his 155-pound debut against Yves Edwards. After opening up a deep cut on Edwards from the top position, the doctors were forced to pull Edwards from the match.

Stevenson returned to the Octagon at UFC 65, defeating Japanese fighter Dokonjonosuke Mishima by guillotine choke in the first round.

Next, Stevenson was booked for the main event at UFC Fight Night 9 against fellow Season 2 contestant Melvin Guillard. Despite a war of words between the two fighters, particularly by Guillard leading up to the bout, Stevenson made quick work of his opponent, knocking down Guillard with a punch before securing a fight-ending guillotine choke.

At UFC 74, Stevenson defeated Kurt Pellegrino by unanimous decision. After the fight doctors determined that during the course of the fight Stevenson's nose had been fractured. With his string of victories at 155, Stevenson established himself as one of the top contenders in the UFC's very competitive Lightweight division.

UFC Lightweight Championship

Stevenson was set to fight BJ Penn for the interim lightweight championship title at UFC 80 due to ongoing litigation regarding Sean Sherk's steroid use. On December 4, 2007, the California State Athletic Commission upheld a reduced suspension for Sherk, prompting the UFC to strip him of the lightweight championship. UFC President Dana White then confirmed that Stevenson and Penn's match would be to fill the vacant lightweight championship, but the winner of that fight would face Sherk at the next opportunity.

Just seconds after the start of the fight, Penn knocked Stevenson down with a right uppercut. From the top position, Penn landed a strong elbow to the head of Stevenson—causing a serious cut on Stevenson's hairline. In the second round, Stevenson fought more aggressively but was still unable to threaten Penn. After taking Stevenson's back, Penn secured a fight-ending rear naked choke at 4:02 of the second round.

After loss to Penn

At UFC 86, Stevenson returned to the Octagon and defeated Gleison Tibau by guillotine choke submission after pulling guard. Tibau tapped quickly at 2:57 in the second round.

At UFC 91 on November 15, 2008, Stevenson was set to face top-contender Kenny Florian in a highly anticipated bout. Despite stating that he was offended to be considered an underdog against Florian, Stevenson was outclassed in the bout. After being taken down early on, Stevenson was mounted and eventually gave up his back to Florian. Florian forced Stevenson, who had just attained his BJJ Black Belt, to submit to a rear naked choke just 4:03 into the first round.

Stevenson returned at UFC 95 in the main event against debuting lightweight Diego Sanchez, and lost via unanimous decision. According to a post-fight statement, he is interested in a rematch.

At the UFC 100 Fan Expo event in Las Vegas

Stevenson defeated former Ultimate Fighter winner Nate Diaz by unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale. Stevenson showed superior wrestling and controlled the duration of the fight.

Stevenson defeated perrenial contender Spencer Fisher by submission by way of strikes at UFC 104. Stevenson secured the crucifix "beatdown" position and elbowed Fisher into defeat.

Stevenson went on to face George Sotiropoulos on February 21, 2010, at UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia. Stevenson lost the fight by unanimous decision, but was awarded the Fight of the Night award.

Stevenson was expected to face Pride Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi on August 1, 2010 at UFC Live on Versus: 2. However, Stevenson pulled out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Tyson Griffin.

Stevenson faced Mac Danzig on December 11, 2010 at UFC 124. Stevenson lost via a left hook KO as Danzig was moving back toward the cage. This loss was his first KO loss since 2002.

Stevenson suffered his 3rd consecutive loss after falling short via unanimous decision to Danny Castillo on March 3, 2011 at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann.

Stevenson was defeated by Javier Vazquez via unanimous decision in his featherweight debut on June 26, 2011 at UFC on Versus 4. After having 4 back-to-back losses, Stevenson has been released from the promotion.

Championships and achievements

Ultimate Fighting Championship

• The Ultimate Fighter 2 Welterweight Tournament Winner
• Fight of the Night (3 Times)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown

45 matches	31 wins	14 losses
By knockout	6	2
By submission	15	4
By decision	10	8

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	31-14	Javier Vazquez	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry	June 26, 2011	3	5:00	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	Featherweight debut
Loss	31-13	Danny Castillo	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann	March 3, 2011	3	5:00	Louisville, Kentucky
Loss	31-12	Mac Danzig	KO (Punch)	UFC 124: St-Pierre vs. Koscheck 2	December 11, 2010	1	1:54	Montreal, Quebec
Loss	31–11	George Sotiropoulos	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez	February 21, 2010	3	5:00	Sydney, Australia	Fight of the Night
Win	31–10	Spencer Fisher	Submission (Elbows)	UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun	October 24, 2009	2	4:03	Los Angeles, California
Win	30–10	Nate Diaz	Decision (Unanimous)	The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale	June 20, 2009	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada	Fight of the Night
Loss	29–10	Diego Sanchez	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 95: Sanchez vs. Stevenson	February 21, 2009	3	5:00	London, England	Fight of the Night
Loss	29–9	Kenny Florian	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar	November 15, 2008	1	4:03	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	29–8	Gleison Tibau	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin	July 5, 2008	2	2:57	Las Vegas, Nevada
Loss	28–8	BJ Penn	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	UFC 80: Rapid Fire	January 19, 2008	2	4:02	Newcastle, England	For UFC Lightweight Championship
Win	28–7	Kurt Pellegrino	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 74: Respect	August 25, 2007	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	27–7	Melvin Guillard	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard	April 5, 2007	1	0:27	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	26–7	Dokonjonosuke Mishima	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	UFC 65: Bad Intentions	November 18, 2006	1	2:07	Sacramento, California
Win	25–7	Yves Edwards	TKO (Doctor Stoppage)	UFC 61: Bitter Rivals	July 8, 2006	2	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada	Lightweight Debut
Loss	24–7	Josh Neer	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC Ultimate Fight Night 4	April 6, 2006	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	24–6	Luke Cummo	Decision (Unanimous)	The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale	November 5, 2005	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada	Won The Ultimate Fighter 2
Win	23–6	Joe Camacho	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	KOTC 33 – After Shock	February 20, 2004	2	4:36	San Jacinto, California
Win	22–6	Cory Cass	Submission	GC 21 – Gladiator Challenge 21	December 7, 2003	1	1:10	Porterville, California
Win	21–6	Thomas Schulte	KO (Knee)	KOTC 30 – The Pinnacle	November 2, 2003	1	3:29	Pala, California
Win	20–6	Demitrius Jefford	KO	GC 19 – Gladiator Challenge 19	September 28, 2003	1	1:09	Porterville, California
Win	19–6	Kiko Cassela	TKO (Corner Stoppage)	KOTC 27 – Aftermath	August 10, 2003	1	4:21	San Jacinto, California
Win	18–6	Thomas Denny	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	KOTC 23 – Sin City	May 16, 2003	1	0:15	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	17–6	Chuck Kim	Submission (Armbar)	GC 15 – Gladiator Challenge 15	April 13, 2003	1	1:03	Porterville, California
Win	16–6	Casey Balkenbush	TKO (Elbows)	GC 14 – Gladiator Challenge 14	February 16, 2003	1	2:27	Porterville, California
Loss	15–6	Romie Aram	Decision (Unanimous)	KOTC 17 – Nuclear Explosion	October 19, 2002	3	5:00	San Jacinto, California
Win	15–5	Jeremy Jackson	Submission (Punches)	KOTC 15 – Bad Intentions	June 22, 2002	1	1:27	San Jacinto, California
Win	14–5	Cruz Chacon	Submission (Kneebar)	ROF 4 – Warriors	March 15, 2002	1	1:35	Denver, Colorado
Win	13–5	Jerry Gummo	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	KOTC 12 – Cold Blood	February 9, 2002	1	1:05	San Jacinto, California
Win	12–5	Brad Gumm	Decision	UP 1 – Ultimate Pankration 1	November 11, 2001	3	4:00	Cabazon, California
Win	11–5	Gary Aldar	TKO (Punches)	GC 6 – Caged Beasts	September 9, 2001	1	2:37	Colusa, California
Loss	10–5	Brad Gumm	Decision	GC 5 – Rumble in the Rockies	August 19, 2001	3	5:00	Denver, Colorado
Win	10–4	Ryan Painter	Decision (Split)	KOTC 10 – Critical Mass	August 4, 2001	2	5:00	San Jacinto, California
Win	9–4	Edwin Dewees	Decision (Unanimous)	GC 4 – Collision at Colusa	June 17, 2001	3	5:00	Colusa, California
Loss	8–4	Ronald Jhun	Decision (Unanimous)	Warriors Quest 1 – The New Beginning	May 29, 2001	3	5:00	Honolulu, Hawaii
Win	8–3	Maurice Wilson	Decision (Unanimous)	GC 3 – Showdown at Soboba	April 7, 2001	3	5:00	Friant, California
Win	7–3	Kai Kamaka	Submission (Shoulder Lock)	GC 2 – Collision at Colusa	February 18, 2001	1	2:16	Colusa, California
Win	6–3	Eric Meaders	Decision (Unanimous)	KOTC 6 – Road Warriors	November 29, 2000	3	5:00	Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Win	5–3	Mike Berardi	Decision (Unanimous)	RITC 20 – Rage in the Cage 20	August 30, 2000	3	3:00	Phoenix, Arizona
Win	4–3	David Roberts	Submission	HBUP – Huntington Beach Underground Pancrase	May 13, 2000	1	N/A	Huntington Beach, California
Win	3–3	Toby Imada	Decision	KOTC 3 – Knockout Nightmare	April 15, 2000	2	5:00	San Jacinto, California
Loss	2–3	Maurice Wilson	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	EFC – Extreme Fighter Challenge	February 2, 2000	2	N/A	California
Loss	2–2	Chris Brennan	Submission (Triangle Choke)	KOTC 1 – Bas Rutten's King of the Cage	October 30, 1999	1	2:04	San Jacinto, California
Loss	2–1	Jens Pulver	KO (Punch)	BRI 3 – Bas Rutten Invitational 3	June 1, 1999	1	0:38	Colorado
Win	2–0	Steve Horton	Submission (Rear Naked Choke)	BRI 3 – Bas Rutten Invitational 3	June 1, 1999	1	2:21	Colorado
Win	1–0	Joe Camacho	Submission (Triangle Choke)	ESF – Empire One	May 15, 1999	1	N/A	Corona, California

External links

• Professional MMA record for Joe Stevenson from Sherdog
• UFC Profile
• Official Website of Joe Stevenson
• Joe Stevenson's Cobra Kai