Joe Stevenson Officially Cut By UFC

Joe Stevenson (31-14) has officially been cut by the UFC, according to reports released Thursday night. The move was expected after the veteran turned in an uninspired performance against Javier Vasquez at UFC on Versus 4, his fourth straight loss within the promotion.

Stevenson entered the UFC as a contestant in the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter". He competed as a welterweight, eventually emerging as the season's winner.

After losing his first bout after the show, Stevenson dropped down to the organization's newly formed lightweight division, where he found immediate success. On the heels of a four fight win streak, the 29-year-old soon challenged B.J. Penn for the light championship.

Stevenson would go on to lose the title bout in bloody fashion via second-round rear-naked choke, after which he fell into a deep slump. "Daddy" lost five of his next eight bouts, and eventually dropped weight classes again before losing to Vasquez in his featherweight debut.

Stevenson finished his seven year career in the UFC with an 8-8 record, and three Fight of the Night honors. He is the fourth "The Ultimate Fighter" winner to be released from the organization.