Joe Stevenson has turned to Greg Jackson to rescue his career ahead of Saturday’s clash with submissions ace Nate Diaz.
Stevenson (34-10-0) has seen his stock plummet after losing back-to-back fights to Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez, leaving him with something of a make-or-break bought with Diaz at the TUF 9 Finale.
“Joe Daddy” remained exclusively on his feet in his last outing against Sanchez, losing a strike-fest that could have ended differently had he fought to his strengths.
Stevenson admits he has lost his way a little bit, and now the tee-totaller has turned to the coach of Georges St-Pierre, Rashad Evans and co – Greg Jackson – to help him find the form that made him a lightweight title contender.
“I’ve been over training with Greg Jackson and coachWinkeljohn – they’re awesome over there,” said Stevenson.
“They’ve pushed me harder than I’ve ever been pushed – I’ve thrown up more during this camp than any other.
“I think the gameplan we’ve come up with is superb, there is no way Nate Diaz can beat me.
“I got really content standing, forgetting what got me here in the first place.
“Greg has helped me return to my old self, taking people down, pounding them into submission.”