Joe Stevenson vs. Javier Vazquez

Joe "Daddy" Stevenson began his featherweight career by facing fellow veteran Javier Vasquez on UFC on Versus 4, during the free prelims on Facebook.

Stevenson looks intense during the pre-fight introductions, and quickly takes the center of the Octagon. Vasquez grabs and early takedown but Stevenson from underneath locks on a deep armbar from guard. Vasquez slowly works free and spins for an armbar of his own, which misses. Vasquez, still on top following the submission scare, begins working to pass. Referee Keith Peterson stands the fighters up in a questionable decision, and they resume on the feet. The action is tentative as both men bob and weave. Vasquez grabs another takedown but Stevenson is working nicely from the bottom half guard. The men ride out the balance of the round with little damage done by either one.

Greg Jackson instructs Stevenson to shoot relentlessly for takedowns in between rounds, but Stevenson declines to do so through the first minute of round two. Neither man is landing anything heavy, and Stevenson in particular is barely landing at all. Vasquez is starting to land, but they aren't hard shots. Halfway through round two and there is little action. Stevenson finally shoots for the single and Vasquez immediately looks for the Guillotine. It's deep, but Stevenson slides out of danger. Vasquez lands a nice trip on Stevenson, and takes his back for a brief sequence. Stevenson once again slides out of trouble. Stevenson is defending more than attacking through the first two rounds. The bell sounds and while the action improved through the latter portion of the round, Stevenson is having trouble finding places to attack. Vasquez, for his part, is fighting a nice fight but is tired and breathing heavy between rounds.

Left straights from Vasquez to start round three. Stevenson is bouncing, but still won't pull the trigger. A leg kick from Joe "Daddy." Vasquez attempts a trip 90 seconds into the final round. Stevenson is doing nothing but bobbing and weaving. Vasquez is tired. Together it is making for lackluster action through the final frame. Now it's Vasquez who may be doing less of the two fighters. The crowd is now peppering the men with boos, and one minute remains. Stevenson lands a knee. A right from Vasquez lands. Vasquez is picking it up in the final minute, and landing better. A disappointing ending to the bout as the final bell sounds.

The judges at ringside score the featherweight contest 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 for the winner, Javier "Showtime" Vasquez.