Joe Stevenson drops to 145, faces Javier Vasquez at UFC on Versus 4
by Tim Groves on April 04, 2011

Joe Stevenson (31-13) is dropping down 145 and will take on Javier Vasquez (15-5) at UFC on Versus 4, the UFC announced via Twitter.

UFC on Versus 4 takes place on June 26. A host city has not yet been determined, but Pittsburgh is reportedly the leading candidate.

After three straight losses to Danny Castillo, Mac Danzig and George Sotiropoulos in the lightweight division, Joe Stevenson will drop down to 145 pounds for the first time. Stevenson, The Ultimate Fighter season 2 winner, debuted in the welterweight division with the UFC. Equipped with excellent wrestling, Stevenson has added solid striking and good Jiu-Jitsu to his repertoire.

Javier Vasquez will welcome Joe Daddy to the featherweight division. Vasquez, a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, will enter the fight off of a loss to Chad Mendes. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu product began his WEC career with two straight split decision losses. He overcame those early setbacks to defeat Jens Pulver and Mackens Semerzier in his next two fights before losing to Mendes.

 |  (14) Comments JujitsWho: I like this move a lot. I'd love to see him match up against Faber IwishIwasMMA: Another guy who is okay at lw that I see making some noise at fw. The Hitman: I think Joe will get killed at 145. There are a ton of guys that are faster, have better striking, and better wrestling. mike5k: It's always interesting to see how guys handle the weight cut then if they're able to have/use a size and strength advantage. If Joe Daddy cuts well and can fight at around 160-165 he could give people problems in the clinch and on the ground. ashka: I worry about this. I really, really want to see Joe have relevence in the sport again, and I completely think he could be competitive at 145. The issue I have is that he already finds weight cuts very difficult and does it hard before a fight. The guy pretty much starves himself. :confused: I hope he'll listen to some good advice about making this weight work for him. flyangler: Out of the 3 recent LW to drop to 145, (Florian, Griffin, Daddy) I think he is least likely to succeed. This fight should be winnable though.
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!