UFC 110: Joe Stevenson remains undeterred in 'a sport with so many ups and downs'

Props: Las Vegas Sun

Quoteworthy:

"It's kind of good to remind yourself why you're fighting .... This sport has so many ups and downs. The trick is to not ever allow yourself to be deterred by anything positive or negative that's not in your hands ... not to just be comfortable but to perform. What I've learned at Greg Jackson's is it's important to stay relaxed but still execute. It didn't surprise me that [Diego Sanchez] went back up (to welterweight), maybe he couldn't handle the weight cut. I really don't like losing a close decision to somebody and then have them move up because I want to avenge every loss."

Joe "Daddy" Stevenson talks to the Las Vegas Sun about what has been to this point an up-and-down mixed martial arts career for the TUF 2 veteran. Despite not quite being able to get over the hump when it comes to facing elite competition, "Daddy" remains confident in his ability to compete with the top guys in the sport and eventually earning another shot at UFC gold. Through the guidance of his wife and today's preeminent MMA trainer Greg Jackson, Stevenson relies just as much on his mental state when entering a fight as he does his physical abilities. Does Stevenson have enough to get by rising prospect George Sotiropoulos at UFC 110? And if he does, does he have one more title run left in him? Let's hear it, Maniacs.