UFC Fight Night 20: Gray Maynard vs Nate Diaz in the works for Jan. 11
by Jesse Holland on Oct 20, 2009 9:18 PM EDT
45 comments
Former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) contestant Gray Maynard (8-0) may finally get the chance to avenge the loss that sent him packing on season five of the Spike TV reality show when he faces former cast mate Nate Diaz (11-4) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 20 on Jan. 11, according to GracieFighter.com.
While not officially announced, FN 20 is expected to take place from the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Diaz went on to win the TUF crown, submitting "The Bully" in their semifinal match up during the show. While Maynard was denied his chance at the "six-figure contract," he hasn't been defeated since, racking up six straight wins after a bizarre No Contest in his Octagon debut against Rob Emerson in June of 2007.
Like Maynard, Diaz was electric right out of the gate. After capturing the Finale (with a little help from Manny Gamburyan's shoulder), the Stockton, Calif., native went on a 5-0 tear, until he lost a razor thin split decision to Clay Guida back at UFC 94.
Joe Stevenson made it back-to-back losses with a smothering wrestling attack at last June's TUF Finale, but Diaz righted the ship at Fight Night 19 by submitting Melvin Guillard in the main event.
Now it comes down to a rematch over two years in the making. The winner will likely be in talks for a 2010 title shot, while the loser goes to the back of the line.
UFC Fight Night 20 is also expected to feature former TUF stars Josh Koscheck, Efrain Escudero and Chris Leben, all penciled in to do battle in separate bouts.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more on this developing fight card.
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wow not a maynard fan but think he will take this not a good match up for maynardBORING FIGHT
by elmatador1990 on Oct 20, 2009 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thats it right there folks. JG got it
by SluggerCitySoldier on Oct 20, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What? I doubt that Maynard would be submitted.
He’s a bully! As for Diaz, I guess this is the end of the road for him.
Unless Dana plays favorites[which he always does].
by Syd on Oct 20, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot, Nate did submit Guillard just recently, right?
by Syd on Oct 21, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup!~ melvin made a dummy move and shot in for the td..
by stinky~fingers on Oct 21, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t even compare Guillard to Maynard. If Joe Stevenson abused Diaz on the ground with wrestling what do you honestly think Maynard will do to him as he is a far better fighter than Stevenson now. Maynard gets no respect. Beats Edgar, heurta, and has not lost a fight and they give him Diaz? Diaz has never beat a top flight fighter, just second rate dudes that have no submission defense. Maynard wins this by brutal beatdown
by RamJ on Oct 21, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree Ram, Maynard gets no respect at all. I would even go as far to say that he deserved the title shot over Sanchez.
His wrestling is the best in the division, cardio is off the chart and his striking is top notch as well (go ask Jim Miller).
In TUF he was green and made a stupid mistake against a great ground player. A few years at xtream couture in the bag and he will not make the same mistake.
This will be a one sided beatdown.
by Nick J on Oct 21, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Lay ‘n Gray starts finishing fights he’ll get some respect. Until then I will continue to mock him by calling him Lay ’n Gray. And I hope Diaz chokes him stupid.
by PW on Oct 21, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im with PW. I dont think anyone should get a title shot unless they show the ability to FINISH a FIGHT! But I also agree with Nick J because Maynard doesnt get the respect he deserves, but I dont think he should have gotten a shot over Diego so I am fine with this entire scenario.
I want to say a big FOCK YOU TO TYSON Griffin! Diaz has been calling ouut Tyson FOREVER, and Tyson acts like he is above fighting Nate (scared if you ask me)..Maynard is higher on the ladder then Tyson, so if Maynard is willing to fight Diaz, then Tyson has NO EXCUSE not to fight him!
by john G on Oct 21, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im with PW and john G on both subjects actually. I thought Gray looked pretty good against Huerta, but Huerta was coming off a long layoff so I take that into consideration. I think Diaz can take Gray. Im starting to see Gray do what most wrestlers do and that is trying to become a stand up fighter. Never seems to work out well for them. If it is mostly on the ground, I give it to Gray because i dont see him getting submitted. On the feet I give it to Diaz, but I dont see him knocking Gray out.
Has decision written all over it to me
by enzo-enormous on Oct 21, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
B.S. diaz does not deserve a top contendor fight. he looses to guida, and joe daddy, beats a below average guillard (whoopty freakin do) and now he gets a contendor. i know he is a tuf champ. but he needs to do a little gate keeping, and earn his contendor fights. Boooo! Boooo!
by day1er on Oct 20, 2009 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
do people forget they already fought and diaz won
by JG on Oct 20, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you again JG. What are these ppl thinkin when they are typing
by SluggerCitySoldier on Oct 20, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’ll tell you what people are thinking. they are thinking that the bully has been twice the fighter diaz has since leaving the TUF house.
by JB on Oct 20, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, fighters evolve after the reality show. Diaz has not evolved much. I really think Gray should take on a contender, Diaz is not at this time.
by halljam2 on Oct 20, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only thing maynard evolved on was his Lay N Pray he has great Lay and pray but thats about it
by Nor Cal Mexican on Oct 20, 2009 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he lay and prayed with Huerta for what 3 minutes of the third round. You guys do not give fighters their due. Gray stood with Jim Miller almost the entire fight and busted him up as well. This is a kid that has nothing else to prove wrestling and it is natural to him. His boxing is evolving but just like Guida if labeled a Lay and Pray’er always a lay and pray’er. I am not buying it.
by halljam2 on Oct 20, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gray has earned number one contender status not Diaz. I don’t care what happened on TUF, Diaz will get dominated. Diaz hasn’t won any of his big fights but he earns a shot with Maynard? I don’t get it.
by knowone on Oct 20, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TUF fights are exhibition bouts according to NSAC provisions so really Diaz has never technically beat Maynard in an MMA bout. But day1er is right. Diaz is still one fight removed from not a loss but a losing streak.
halljam – guida is labeled an LNPer because he just dry humps in guard. We saw maynard pass guard, hold positions, go for subs. He’s far from the old wrestler he use to be. Hell even in the clementi fight, there was an excellent halfguard battle waged for guys who see the details instead of the general – “he’s just holding.”
by NameNotRequired on Oct 20, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NNR, you are the man. Finally someone that can see the technicalities taking place outside of what is read on the net. I know you have been here a while and i have as well since UFCmania. I just never post as I have a newborn lol. This is probably going to be my outlet soon.
by halljam2 on Oct 20, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wish they’d bring back Clementi[if he has evolved since his Maynard fight].
by Syd on Oct 21, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks halljam, it’s nice to see another old timer. This place is great as long as you don’t get sucked into the nonsense with various trolls. Lots of $$$ making knowledge too floating about if you happen to gamble on MMA.
Syd- No love actually has been out of commission for a while after he busted his collar bone shooting for a TD. Probly won’t see him back for a while.
by NameNotRequired on Oct 21, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NNR, we NEED to TALK buddy! UFC 104 is on the horizon and its time for us too get PAID!!!!!
by john G on Oct 21, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya and look where grey is now compared to diaz. I like em both buy Grey will win.
by Jizzo on Oct 20, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The same could be said for Maynard when he faced Frankie Edgar. But Diaz is going to submit Maynard like he did on the show. The only reason Stevenson beat Diaz because of his BJJ/Wrestling background. Maynard wrestling is excelent his striking has improve but he will take the fight to the floor and get submit in the 3rd round.
by Tha_Outlaw on Oct 20, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The same could be said for Maynard when he faced Frankie Edgar. But Diaz is going to submit Maynard like he did on the show. The only reason Stevenson beat Diaz because of his BJJ/Wrestling background. Maynard wrestling is excellent his striking has improve but he will take the fight to the floor and get submitted in the 3rd round.
by Tha_Outlaw on Oct 20, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate got robbed in that Guida fight and there is no shame in losing to a former top contender in Joe Daddy, plus winning a Fight Night main event launches him back up to the fringes of the top 10 and Gray is the only top 10 LW available, as they both fought on the same card. On top of this, Nate submitted Gray on TUF and that fight is keeping Gray out of the title picture, if he can avenge it then he’s top 3 regardless of his boring style of fighting. This rematch is one of the few Gray fights that people will want to see.
by David W-S on Oct 20, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very well said. I do think this is a bad matchup for Nate as Gray presents the same style that was a problem against Joe Daddy and Clay Guida, even if I don’t think he lost the Guida fight.
by JTD on Oct 20, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Gray’s wrestling/clay and gray is a concern for Diaz but he seems to fancy himself as a boxer these days and has pretty much ignored his wrestling since the Clementi win. Nate had much better boxing than Gray and he’s also caught him before with a submission. Nate is always a threat off his back so if Gray gets careless then the same thing will happen again.
by David W-S on Oct 20, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think this really is “fair” to Gray but it is a really dangerous match up for him. He’s not going to knock out Diaz and Diaz is incredibly active on the ground, also Gray frustrates fairly easy and frustrating people is a Diaz specialty. I think this is going to be a really fun fight but I’m not a fan of Nate’s so I don’t really care about his rise in the LW ladder.
by Knighthawk on Oct 21, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea..but the previous fight between the 2 wasnt an “official fight” in the sense that it isnt on either of thier records…Im not a fan of either of these 2 really..I respect thier skills, though…this is the ufc’s way of keeping Gray happy and keeping him out of the title picture a little longer in that he prolly feels a little screwed but, gets a chance to avenge a loss..unofficial loss..but whatever..
by salamagogo on Oct 20, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His boring ass lay and pray has been shafting everyone else so it’s his turn now. Princess Laynard will look to take it to the floor the second he senses his decision is in jeopardy and
BOOM BOOM BOOM Diaz Guillotine Round 3.
by Vulcano on Oct 20, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
princess laynard….lol…I dont like either one of these guys…maynard, for,well..being laynard and diaz always talks like he has a dong in his mouth…how about another no contest and maynard can once again deny he was knocked out like when he slammed rob emerson and hit his own head in the process…lol. my favorite maynard performance to date!
by salamagogo on Oct 21, 2009 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I wasn’t out. No Joe, I wasn’t out.
See right here where you aren’t moving or awake and have no idea what’s going on. You’re out cold.
No I wasn’t.
Is there some other reason you’re completely out of it here?
I wasn’t out.
by PW on Oct 21, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This looks like a good test for Maynard. If he can avoid Nate’s submissions then I don’t see how Nate can win the fight. If Maynard screws up and leaves the slightest little opening for Nate then he’s toast. He has to know that. I think that the fight is Maynard’s to win or lose.
by steven on Oct 20, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is anyone else of fight nights being headlined by lightweights. I guess they figure the LWs aren’t that big a draw but should put on a good show, but it’s getting kind of old.
by frosnt on Oct 21, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see what you mean, but I do like seeing lots of fighters from the same division on the same card. Let me explain, whenever there is a title fight, we sometimes see the contenders on that card aswell. I think a great idea would be to have the majority of fights (about 7), all in the same weight class for that PPV. Then, the remaining fights can showcase the other weight classes to give us something a little different for that evening.
by lukeinShanghai on Oct 21, 2009 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
slightly off topic, but I noticed Rory MacDonald on this card. Remember the name. Definite future contender.
by Amos on Oct 21, 2009 2:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m not ready to put Maynard into Clay Guida’s elite status as a lay n prayer. It’s something to keep an eye on, but I’m not quite there yet. I predict a relatively boring fight that Maynard will win by decision, and we’ll have a pissed off Diaz because he’ll have lost to a guy that wasnt’ willing to throw down with him. I actually think that Maynard would hold his own standing with Diaz, but i doubt we’ll see that. This is an interesting fight, but certainly has the potential to be boring.
by kg on Oct 21, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe there are so many Grey nuthuggers!! The guy is a B-level fighter, come on!…People saying he deserved the shot instead of Nightmare are totally insane! Who has he fought? Only top level fighter was Huerta and he didn’t do shit, just sting and move a la Bisping…I want to see him face off against Stevenson, Sherk, or some other contender and we’ll see his true skills.
And Diaz has looked very good since coming out of the show, he beat some good B-level fighters and IMO he beat Clay Guida.
I’m going with Nate on this one by 2nd round sub!
by Mascarita on Oct 21, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This should be a good fight. If Gray can win, he puts himself in the mix for the next title shot.
by Kdog on Oct 21, 2009 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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