George Sotiropoulos was first introduced to most UFC fans during his stint as a contestant on Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" season 6. Over the course of the popular reality show, the soft-spoken Australian native emerged as one of the season's top competitors making it all the way to the competitions semi-finals before suffering a knockout loss to Tommy Speer.

After the show, Sotiropoulos took less than two minutes to secure a rear naked choke against Billy Miles in his UFC debut, and since, has used a dangerous combination of accurate striking and slick submissions to finish his next three opponents en route to a perfect 4-0 UFC record.

Sotiropoulos will return to action on February 20 at UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia, where he will face his toughest UFC challenge to date when he squares off against perennial UFC lightweight contender Joe Stevenson.

Sotiropoulos sat down with FiveKnuckles.com's Giada Esposito in this exclusive interview to discuss his upcoming match with Stevenson, the significance of UFC 110 being in his home country, his training, and various other topics.

FiveKnuckles.com: UFC 110 will be the first UFC event ever held in Australia. What does it mean for you to be able to represent Australia, the country where you were born, on the main card?

Sotiropoulos: Because it's the first UFC event in the country it's a privilege. Although its not a new sport, the UFC's been around for quite a few years now, it's new to Australia. I'm the only Australian on the main card, so it's a huge privilege.

FiveKnuckles.com: You will be facing Joe Stevenson when you enter the Octagon at UFC 110. What are your thoughts on him as an opponent, and have you been doing anything special to prepare for him?

Sotiropoulos: Joe has a wrestling background, that is his strength. He also has a jiu-jitsu background which he's made his strength. He's a very strong submission wrestler. He's also working his striking, so he's well-rounded. He has the ability to fight in all areas. He does present certain problems, and I've been addressing those problems in my training. I approach my training for Joe as I have for every other fight. I still do the same preparation. I follow very similar patterns and routines. I'm obviously addressing the problems he presents, but I'm still working on my game and improving all areas of my game.

FiveKnuckles.com: You and Joe both hold black belts in jiu-jitsu, and have been very successful on the ground over your respective careers. How would you compare your strengths in grappling?

Sotiropoulos: We have different styles of grappling. His style of grappling is very much focused on being on top, he secures a lot of his submissions from there, and that's where he fights best. I think my jiu-jitsu is more well-rounded. I'm effective fighting both on top and on my back. Because he came from wrestling first that's his strength, obviously he likes to be on top and that's where he's going to feel most comfortable.

FiveKnuckles.com: Earlier in your career you won a Victorian State amateur boxing title in Australia. How important have your boxing skills been to you in MMA, and how would you compare your striking skills to Joe Stevenson's?

Sotiropoulos: Every skill that I have has been vital towards what I've been doing in mixed martial arts. It's a part of the machine that I use. The boxing's as important as the jiu-jitsu and the wrestling, it's a vital...

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 110 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!