Phillipe Nover has to win his next fight in the UFC.  On Sept. 16, he will take on Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night 19.

Nover was the runner-up in The Ultimate Fighter season 8.  Prior to becoming a contestant on the show, Nover had a 5-0 MMA record with no fights with the UFC.  Efrain Escudero handed him his first loss in the Octagon via unanimous decision at the finale, and then Kyle Bradley TKO-ed him at UFC 98.

His MMA record then became 5-2, but his UFC record was stiff at 0-2.

But Nover understands the complexities of fighting and sees a positive future for himself inside the Octagon.

"My life has been sort of a rollercoaster," he said.  "But I guess that's what fighting is about.  Everyone takes losses, some fighters take consecutive losses.  It's a crazy rollercoaster ride right now, but I predict I'm on my way up."

Nover has chalked up his losses to hype and some nervousness, but knows that the ending to one of his fights could not be predicted.  His second fight in the Octagon, against Bradley, who defeated him at UFC 98, was stopped by referee Yves Lavigne after Nover fell to the mat and was ruled unable to fight.

While Nover said that he has learned the lesson to not let decisions fall into the hands of referees, he is still unsure about his long-term future with the UFC.

"I always have that feeling like I'm skating on thin ice or hanging on a few strings with the UFC after taking two losses," he said.  "And it's bad.  I'm at the point where I really have to show that I deserve to be in there and hang with those guys."

Bradley was supposed to fight Stout at Fight Night 19, but had to withdraw due to an injury.  Nover was offered the fight and quickly accepted.

"When my manager called, all I said was 'the answer is yes,'" Nover said.  "I want to get in that cage ASAP.  I know Sam Stout's a real respectable fighter, but I thought it would be a great fight.  We both have really good skills on the feet, and I think it would be an incredible fight to watch."