Stout (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Most fighters making their Octagon debut are not involved in a bout that becomes an instant classic, or for that matter, the first of two memorable fights which will require a rubber match. For Sam Stout, however, that is precisely how the lightweight began his UFC tenure in 2006, when he earned a split decision win over Spencer Fisher. Just over one year later, Stout faced Fisher again, but this time it was the latter who emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win.

Now, on June 22nd, Stout and Fisher will square off for the third time at the upcoming UFC on FX 4 card. Despite the fact that over five years has gone by since the two fought, Stout isn’t at all surprised that the rubber match is finally becoming a reality.

“We were kind of asking for it a little bit,” Stout told FCF. “It’s a fight that I still, even between then and now, I still haven’t gone a month without somebody asking me ‘when are you going to fight Spencer Fisher again?”

“I think it was one of those things that was inevitable,” Stout added about the fight, which will take place in Atlantic City. “It was going to happen sooner or later, and now just seems like the perfect time. We’re both coming off losses to the same opponent (Thiago Tavares) and it’s just the right time.”

After their second encounter, Fisher (24-8) went on to win three of his next four fights, but since the vet defeated Caol Uno in June, 2009, the lightweight has scored one win in his last five bouts. The losses have come against established fighters, however, in Ross Pearson, Dennis Siver, Joe Stevenson and the aforementioned Tavares.

“I feel like I’ve progressed a lot more since 2006,” said Stout (17-7), who in that same time frame, has gone 6-4. “I think I’ve progressed a lot more than he has and I think that’s going to show in this fight. I think physically I’m going to be too much to handle and I think I’ve put a lot more into my arsenal than he has in the last five years.”

When Stout met Fisher for the first time, the Team Tompkins fighter was about to turn 22, while Fisher was only on the verge of turning 30.

“I think when I fought him last that might have been him at his peak,” said Stout, while discussing the eight year difference the two have in age. “I think he’s slowed down a bit in the last few years, but I’m sure he’s going to train very hard for this one.”

“When it comes to a rubber match like this, a trilogy, the third fight is always the one everyone remembers,” added Stout, whose last win was a highlight reel, KO victory over Yves Edwards. “So I’m sure he’s going to come in and be in shape…I’m going to train to be prepared for him to be as fast or faster than ever.”

Due to the striking abilities of both Stout and Fisher, their first two fights were memorable stand-up battles as many people expected. Whether or not their third encounter goes the same way, however, remains to be seen.

“Last time we fought I think it took a lot out of both of us,” Stout recalled. “I think primarily we’re both strikers, both of us, so the majority of this fight will probably take place on its feet. But I definitely do see this fight hitting the ground at some point, whether it’s him taking me down or me taking him down. I just don’t think it will be a three round, stand-up war without it hitting the ground once like it was last time.”

The UFC on FX 4 card will be hosted by the Revel Atlantic City.