Rick Story (photo via UFC / Zuffa)

By FCF Staff

After becoming the first man to defeat Gunnar Nelson at UFC FN 53, Rick Story will likely receive a solid boost in the welterweight rankings, but the veteran understands he can’t afford too many more setbacks.

From September, 2009, through May, 2011, Story put together a six fight win streak that included wins over notable welterweights like Thiago Alves and current champ Johny Hendricks. Since then, however, the 30 year-old fighter has gone 5-5.

Following his impressive win over Nelson in Stockholm this weekend, here is what Story had to say about his immediate future and the importance of the win (quote via MMA Junkie.com)

“At this point, every performance is going to be one of the most important for my career,” Story said. “Trying to get up to the title shot, you can’t take any bumps in the road. I can’t take any more losses. I’ve lost too many times, and it’s hard every single time, so it’s just easier to win.”

Prior to UFC FN 53, Story was not ranked in the promotion’s top 15 rankings, while Nelson was positioned at #12. The Washington State fighter, who has been training with The MMA Lab in Arizona, currently has a record of 18-8.