UFC Fight Night 20: Efrain Escudero vs Nik Lentz in the works for Jan. 11

by Jesse Holland on Oct 18, 2009 8:01 AM EDT

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) will try to continue his meteoric rise through the lightweight division when he faces Nik Lentz (17-3-1) at UFC Fight Night 20, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in northern Virgina on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

No venue is known at this time. And the promotion has yet to officially announce the Spike TV event. Nonetheless, expect those announcements to come soon.

Escudero bested season favorite, Phillipe Nover, via unanimous decision at TUF 8 Finale to capture the 155-pound crown from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13.

The collegiate wrestling standout continued his winning ways when he floored the venerable Cole Miller in their lightweight clash at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" just over a month ago.

Escudero will look to push his perfect record to 13-0 with a win on the Spike TV broadcast.

Lentz is on a eight-fight win streak that dates back more than two years. He is a Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product who has competed primarily on the local circuit for most of his career.

"The Carnie" recently scored a unanimous decision win over Rafaello Oliveira in his Octagon debut at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" back on Sept. 19 and also outpointed UFC veteran Drew Fickett at SNMMA: "Beatdown at 4 Bears" to make a name for himself earlier this year.

A win over Escudero would undoubtedly leapfrog him into bigger opportunities -- and some very stiff competition.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as additional details emerge in the near future.

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Comments

Good match-up between 2 up and coming lightweights…

by Smokin Big J on Oct 18, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

Lentz looks like Jerry O’Connell in Stand By Me

by thetuf75 on Oct 18, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

It is good that they are building up Efrain, hes a young promising talent. He had a great win against an experienced Cole Miller, despite having a terrible weight cut. But about the building up thing, all too often the UFC rushes a fighter into fighting bigger and bigger names (ie Paulo Thiago). And if/when they fail, they get cut. im too hung over to think of other fighters with a similar situation.

by colin2k on Oct 18, 2009 12:44 PM EDT reply actions