Joe Stevenson Released by the UFC

Featherweight Joe Stevenson, a former UFC lightweight title challenger, has been released by the promotion following four straight losses in the octagon. The 29-year-old had competed in the UFC for close to six years after winning The Ultimate Fighter 2 back in 2005. MMA Fighting brings the news:

Following four straight losses, longtime UFC veteran Joe Stevenson has been cut from the promotion, MMA Fighting has learned.

The move was expected following the losing streak, but had not yet been confirmed. A high-ranking UFC source confirmed it on Thursday, however.

Stevenson had 16 fights in the UFC over three weight classes, going 8-8 overall. After a loss to Josh Neer at welterweight, Joe "Daddy" dropped to lightweight and reeled off four straight wins to earn a fight against B.J. Penn for the UFC lightweight title. He lost by second-round submission in a bloodbath. His career was very up-and-down after that, going 3-5 during the rest of his tenure at lightweight while fighting some top guys. He also won three fight of the night bonuses. After finally dropping three in a row, he decided to drop to featherweight, but put forth a lackluster effort and dropped a decision to Javier Vasquez at UFC on Versus 4.