Joe Stevenson Defeats Nate Diaz By Unanimous Decision at TUF 9 Finale

Let's face it: Joe Stevenson had been having some problems lately, having lost three of his last four fights to BJ Penn, Kenny Florian, and Diego Sanchez. So coming into his TUF 9 Finale bout against Nate Diaz, he desperately needed a win. Well, he got one.

The fight generally took place on the canvas, where Stevenson's takedowns and ground control skills allowed him to ground and pound his way to winning the first and second rounds (not to mention a very solid guillotine choke attempt). In the third round, Diaz achieved a stellar judo takedown and did some damage on his feet, but it was in no way enough.

Stevenson won the fight 29-28 on all of the judge's scorecards. Afterwards, as always, he was highly respectful in talking about his opponent to Joe Rogan.