The switch does not make Gomi’s life any easier with Griffin being another tough opponent to face after losing in his UFC debut to Kenny Florian earlier in the year.

Griffin himself is also looking to get back to winning ways after coming up second best against the fast rising Evan Dunham.  Griffin hung in for the full three rounds though despite being in some dangerous situations at times, and at 26 years of age with a record of 14-3, he’s still a force to be reckoned with at 155lbs.

UFC On Versus 2 takes place on August 1st live on the Versus network with Jon ‘Bones’ Jones Vs Vladimir Matyushenko headlining the card.

Sotiropolous has looking sharp in his previous outings in the prelims, but having faced no-one with any real pedigree in his previous UFC outings, there were doubts over how he would cope with someone of Stevenson’s caliber and experience.

Any doubts quickly evaporated though as the Australian took control in the stand-up exchanges, and dominated the former No.1 lightweight contender from top position, to the delight of the Aussies in attendance.

Even when Stevenson eventually managed to get on top in the later rounds, a position that he usually takes full advantage of, he was unable to make any significant impact due  to the active guard employed by Sotiropolous.

Though he wasn’t able to finish the fight inside the distance, the evening could scarcely have went any better for Sotiropolous, as Dana White acknowledged at the post-fight press conference.

“I’m proud of him tonight, he looked amazing. Big night for him..big night,” he said of the Australian’s performance.  “He just catapulted himself right into the mix.”

For Stevenson it’s a significant setback after appearing to have found a new lease of life with his previous two victories.  The only consolation for him is that he earned another ‘Fight Of The Night’ bonus, his third in his past four fights.

A new rumor posted at MMAmania suggests that wish may about to come true with Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson apparently in negotiations to be his next opponent at UFC 110 in Australia.

Sotiropoulos Armbar's Jason Dent

In all honesty it’s a bigger step up in class than would perhaps have been expected, but it will certainly be an interesting fight to watch unfold. It also makes sense for the UFC who are looking to bolster there first event in Australia with home grown talent – of which Sotiropoulos is one of the very few currently at their disposal.

Pitting him against a former title contender in the shape of Joe Stevenson makes this a very marketable fight in Oz, and would be seen as a credible addition to the main card for those watching around the world.

Having said that, it’s perhaps not the fight that Stevenson would have hoped for after defeating more established lightweight fighters Nate Diaz and Spencer Fisher in his last two visits to the octagon. It would seem that there are more risks than rewards in facing a fighter such as Sotiropoulos who is a potentially dangerous opponent, yet has fought mainly on the undercard of events since appearing on TUF season 6.

Despite his advantage on the ground Stevenson appeared happy to stand and trade with his opponent, just as Spencer Fisher would have hoped for. Things did not go according to plan for the “The King” however as Stevenson connects with a left hook in one of the opening exchanges that opens a cut over his right eye.

The cut is clearly a distraction for Fisher as he blinks rapidly and grimaces at times, but it’s still somewhat of a surprise that he is not able to put any significant pressure on his opponent despite being the better striker of the two.

When Stevenson does decide to try to take the fight to the ground Fisher does however show good takedown defense up against the cage. As the round draws to a close Joe ‘Daddy’ briefly gets the fight to the floor which confirms that this round is his.

In the second round Stevenson indulges in the stand-up for the first minute before finally planting Fisher on his back. Wasting no time he passes to half guard and delivers some good elbows and punches.

Things go from bad to worse for Fisher as Stevenson gains side control and traps one his arms. From there he is free to bring down some extremely vicious looking elbows to Fisher’s unprotected head.

Unable to defend himself the referee steps in on Fisher’s behalf and stops the fight. It’s another good result for Joe ‘Daddy’ who appears to be enjoying his recent visits to the octagon, while Spencer Fisher must be left feeling frustrated that he didn’t make more of the stand-up exchanges.

Final result: Joe Stevenson defeats Spencer Fisher by TKO (Strikes) in Round 2.