Florian destroys StevensonKenny Florian made an emphatic statement at UFC 91.
In what many may argue was his best performance in the Octagon, Florian submitted Joe Stevenson with a rear-naked choke 4:03 into the first round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The victory established the 32-year-old Florian (11-3) as the clear No. 1 contender for BJ Penn's UFC lightweight championship.
"I want BJ's belt," Florian said. "I consider [him] a master. It's time to kill that master. I'm here to test myself."
Florian used nice footwork and crisp striking to seize control of his bout with Stevenson. Taken down inside the first minute, Florian quickly returned from a standing position and delivered a powerful takedown of his own. He then popped Stevenson (29-9) with a big right hand on the ground, mounted the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and secured back control against the cage. A rear-naked choke followed, and Stevenson raised the white flag after a brief struggle.
"I'm working hard every single day," said Florian, who will carry a six-fight winning streak into his next match. "I'm out there training. That's all I do."
