Spencer Fisher, a native of Davenport, IA, is set to battle Joe Stevenson at UFC 104 in an interesting lightweight clash. Spencer is riding a 3-fight win streak with his latest win coming against Caol Uno at UFC 99.  Stevenson recently won a decision against Nate Diaz at TUF 9 Finale and is looking to make himself relevant again in the UFC's lightweight contender picture.  A win against Stevenson would go a long way toward helping Spencer's bid at a lightweight title shot. 

Mark Peel of FiveKnuckles.com recently sat down with Spencer to discuss a variety of topics, including; his upcoming bout against Stevenson, his new gym in Moline, IL, and his thoughts on UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn.

FiveKnuckles.com: You're set to face Joe Stevenson at UFC 104. Stevenson is training at Greg Jackson's Submission Academy to prepare for the fight. What are you doing to prepare for this fight?

Spencer Fisher: I've been working a lot with Jesse Montez on my wrestling and grappling and Matt Pena on my boxing.

FiveKnuckles.com: BJ Penn is the current lightweight champion. Looking down the road, if you were to earn a shot at Penn, how do you feel you match up?

Spencer Fisher: I think I would match up better than anyone else in the division.  I respect him, but I'm not going to run from him like everyone else does.  There would be no holding back, I would stand and bang.

FiveKnuckles.com: Who is your personal favorite fighter?

Spencer Fisher: George St. Pierre is probably the best right now, but my favorite is Jon Fitch.

FiveKnuckles.com: UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will be squaring off in the main event of your card at UFC 104 against former PRIDE champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. Who takes it?

Spencer Fisher:  Lyoto Machida.

FiveKnuckles.com: You now have your own gym in Moline, IL, can you tell me about that?

Spencer Fisher: Yeah, Evolution.  I feel like we are the best fighting gym in the area and the only one with a legitimate black belt jujitsu instructor.  We have 63 guys and are putting on an event: Evolution vs The Midwest- coming soon.  I have some pro fighters.  Drew McFedries trains here everyday, Kyle Dietz, who is in the WEC and many other competitive fighters.

FiveKnuckles.com: If you could invite one guy to come train at your gym, who would it be?

Spencer Fisher: Rickson Gracie. He is my all-time favorite. He is more than a fighter, he is a warrior.

FiveKnuckles.com: Much has been made of Drew McFedries departure from the Miletich camp. Are you going to be cornering Drew McFedries at UFC 103?

Spencer Fisher: Matt Pena and Clint Anderson will be there for him.

FiveKnuckles.com: Thanks for the time Spencer. Do you have any sponsors you would like to thank?

Spencer Fisher: No problem. I'd like to thank Toe 2 Toe, Affliction, The Gun Store, and Team Evolution.

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 104 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!