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UFC Quick Quote: George Sotiropoulos now in the lightweight mix with big win over Joe Stevenson

Sotiropoulos-stevenson_medium

"He was in his home town for the first time and he stepped up tonight, and I tell you, I'm proud of him. He was amazing. He didn't just beat Joe Stevenson, he dominated Joe Stevenson. All the judges had 30-27 [on their scorecards]. He just catapulted himself right into the mix. If he continues to improve like that, I wouldn't be surprised to see him fighting for a title in the next year. To go in there and beat Joe Stevenson, and to do what he did tonight is huge and very promising."

-- UFC President Dana White gushes over the dominating performance of George Sotiropoulos at UFC 110: "Nogueira vs. Velasquez," which took place in front of raucus hometown crowd in Sydney, Australia. Sotiropoulos was an early favorite to win The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 6, but never reached his full potential, getting stopped by eventual tournament runner up, Tommy Speer, in the semifinals. The 32-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt was plagued with injuries shortly thereafter, taking (and winning) just one fight in 2008. He managed to fight twice the following year (both wins) and now has one under his belt in early 2010. If Sotiropoulos can stay busy, is he top-level enough to one day contend for a 155-pound title or is the lightweight gauntlet just too top daunting for him to ever earn that status?

Quote transcript via SMH.com.au

0 recs  |  Comment 26 comments |

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he's 32 so lets not delay

George v Sherk
George vs loseer Kenny/Gomi

Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.

So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.

by McArthur... on Feb 21, 2010 10:23 AM EST reply actions  

George vs Maynard

for a potential top contender? He impressed the hell out of me last night. Showed great boxing and amazing BJJ.

"I like being punched... I like... punchin'" ~Gray Maynard
"A black belt only covers two inches of your ass, you have to cover the rest" ~Royce Gracie

by DB22 on Feb 21, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I knew his ground was good

but his hands looked really sharp

"I like being punched... I like... punchin'" ~Gray Maynard
"A black belt only covers two inches of your ass, you have to cover the rest" ~Royce Gracie

by DB22 on Feb 21, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions  

agreed. Give him Grey.

Knew he was gonna pull it off sigh

"Be still in the River."
-Unknown Samurai

by Ground-Game on Feb 21, 2010 7:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Ive never liked Joe daddy and never dislike him either.

He got owne completey last night, Dana seriously needs to look at Goerge as a potential matchup for BJ.

by HEELHOOK on Feb 21, 2010 11:05 AM EST reply actions  

yeah this guy is the real deal Id like to see fight a tyson griffin or even gray maynard if he wins give him the title shot why not they did it for hardy

by menace on Feb 21, 2010 11:08 AM EST reply actions  

still waiting on you geniuses

to come up with a good abbreviation for “Sotiropoulos”…we can’t be typing that all day and we can’t go round calling him “George the Lesser”.

I’m going with “Soti” till someone comes up with something that works better, which shouldn’t be too hard.

by (shonuff) on Feb 21, 2010 11:28 AM EST reply actions  

Apparently his nickname is Souvlaki.

Not much shorter than Sotiropoulos. It saves a few syllables, but that doesn’t help much for typing.

by prokstar on Feb 21, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions  

how about "Squiddy"

It sounds Aussie and represents the fact that he grapples like he has 10 limbs.

by (shonuff) on Feb 21, 2010 11:30 AM EST reply actions  

Joe's face in that pic

looks like he’s taking a dump with a mouth full of sour patch kids

Goldie: "Michael Jordan-esque in his grappling skills is Travis Lutter."
Rogan: "No, no he's not. No."

by Stillberry on Feb 21, 2010 11:46 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

I think he could be only one fight away

The only thing is there are quite a few potential challengers @ 155. Gray, the winner of Kenny/Gomi, & Tyson G. Plus BJ already has a defense lined up with Frankie. Not sure how the UFC will prioritize, but I would like to see George fight either Gray for a # 1 contender , or Florian (regaurdless of the outcome with Gomi). Thing is, if Gomi wins he will get the next shot. If Kenny wins, he may or may not fight one more time before the belt again

by domino effect on Feb 21, 2010 2:02 PM EST reply actions  

just GS

Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.

So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.

by McArthur... on Feb 21, 2010 2:11 PM EST reply actions  

Greg Jackson is over-rated!

Now that Joe lost and Sardine got KOed again, I wish people would stop acting like Greg Jackson is the best coach in MMA.

by NateDogg77 on Feb 21, 2010 7:28 PM EST reply actions  

What's Griffin's status?

I don’t know where he is at with his injury but Tyson Griffin is in need of a fight. I think Griffin vs. GeoSo would put either guy on the doorstep.

by Mayhem chimpanzee on Feb 21, 2010 8:52 PM EST reply actions  

There’s one thing I want to say about George before the book is closed on this fight. For me the thing is he was holding the cage with his feet at the end of the fight. You’re not allowed to grab the fence with your hands, why are your feet any different? It helped him get a good base underneath Joe, keep his legs high and generally continue frustrating Joe. I think Herb Dean missed that big time.

I like George and I liked him as the underdog to win and he won the fight regardless. Just saying.

by verloc on Feb 22, 2010 5:05 PM EST reply actions  

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