UFC Fight Night 20 announced for Jan. 11 in Fairfax
by Jesse Holland on Nov 16, 2009 1:41 PM EST
54 comments
Spike TV announced today that UFC Fight Night 20 is official for January 11 at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Set to headline the event is former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) contestant Gray Maynard (8-0) attempting to avenge the loss that sent him packing on season five of the cable TV reality show when he faces former cast mate Nate Diaz (11-4).
The event is expected to air live on Spike TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
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 will also feature TUF 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) taking on fellow undefeated lightweight Evan Dunham (9-0).
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more official announcements on this still-developing fight card.
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Winner to get a Title Shot
Wonder if this match will determine the #1 contender in the LW division? I would certainly be ok with the winner getting a shot at Penn, although Tyson Griffin can make a case that he deserves a shot as well. I’ve also been very impressed with Efrain and could see him getting a title shot with a couple more wins in a row.
by the rock on Nov 16, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
Maynard has a case if he wins, but hell no for Diaz. I don’t see him beating Maynard anyhoo. Maynard’s shots will be too much for Diaz and he has better G’n’P in my opnion that Huggy bear and Joe
Kinda sucks cause I like both fighters but sh** happens I suppose
by IrishKev on Nov 16, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Diaz has dropped a couple fights recently. No way does he get a title shot with a win.
by P-Dub on Nov 16, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maynard doesn’t need to take this fight to prove his contendership. This is pretty much to either get Nate back on track over a good opponent, or for Maynard to avenge a loss. I got Maynard by decision.
Efrain impressed me vs Cole, and Dunham impressed me in his last fight vs Per Ecklund. I think most expect Efrain to tear through this guy, but I’m going to think that its a tougher fight for Efrain. We all see now that Efrain has some power in his hands, something that wasn’t apparent on TUF and vs Nover. I dont think Cole was expecting it, and that played a major part of the KO. Dunham will be wary of that, and will turn out a better fight.
by Synyster_08 on Nov 16, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Edit
Dunham looked good in his debut vs Per Eklund, and recently beat Marcus Aurelio, so his ground defense has to be good.
by Synyster_08 on Nov 16, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just saw on digg
brock lesnar has an intestinal problem that could end his mma career. http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/11/brock_lesnar_ma.php
by an8yr0ldboi on Nov 16, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i doubt maynard even wants the title shot as long as BJ is champ because maynard spent a whole season of TUF gettin beat by BJ everyday
by GOLDIGGAH on Nov 16, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gray Manard all the way...
Goldiggah, well if Nate was to win, it would definitly be by SUB, but there is no way that Maynard is gonna let that happen. Maynards boxing & wrestling are way to strong for Nate. Love Nate but there is no way he is winning this fight.
by neeko on Nov 16, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
***Fight Announcement***
Anderson vs. Belfort at UFC 109 Superbowl weekend.
Let’s hope this actually goes down. The UFC desperately needs a marquee title fight for this event.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once."
Julius Caesar (II, ii, 32-37)
by Jeremyjackson on Nov 16, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it better!~ by that time us fans will be thirsty for a title fight..
as far as this fight goes~
im taking my boy nate.. im thinking it will be a quick sub..
smoke weed every day!~
by stinky~fingers on Nov 17, 2009 8:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No way haha just seeing if I signed up alright but yeah no way nate gets a title shot with this win he’s no Randy
by Kayo on Nov 16, 2009 5:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Nate gets a shot with a win. He’s recognizable and marketable, and we’ve seen in the past that that counts for more than anything else in the UFC. Who else will get a shot if not the winner of this fight? Edgar? Tyson Griffin? No way.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once."
Julius Caesar (II, ii, 32-37)
by Jeremyjackson on Nov 16, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He can’t get a shot with a win. Frankie and Tyson are in front of him, no doubt. No need to wonder who’s gonna be next right away b/c BJ will lose to Sanchez and a bunch of new interesting match up will come up. Like J-lo, Joe daddy, Florini or Frankie and Tyson. Well maybe even Gomi if he comes to the UFC or Huerta(if he come back).
by Alpha Male on Nov 17, 2009 2:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably a title shot if Maynard wins
You could make the argument that if Gray Maynard wins, he could be given a title shot and they will bill it as “first ever coach vs fighter” match up. BJ Penn coached Gray in one of the TUFs. But if Nate wins, there are more deserving fighters out there like: Frankie Edgar and Tyson Griffin.
by Phasebook on Nov 17, 2009 5:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gray FTW
I think Gray has grown enough since TUF to win the rematch.
Talking to you is like having phone sex with a deaf girl...
by Chief Warrant Officer on Nov 16, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
your prob right
Grey has more tools to work with now. I think his strength and patience will be tricky for Nate to find a sub in 3 rounds.
Grey by UD. But i would LOVE to see Diaz win
by Bigger Zino on Nov 16, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gray beats Diaz handedly.
The one and only Smitty...
by D_Smith on Nov 16, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully Gray decides he likes to box
The past two fights Gray has kept it standing for the most part, hopefully he contines the trend. If Gray decides to Lay on Diaz, expect Diaz to get bored and pout about it, same way Josh Neer does.
by jay. on Nov 16, 2009 1:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Diaz flaw has been exposed, take him down and l-n-p to win a decision, and watch out for the triangle.
Simple game plan.
If Maynard stands with Diaz, no problem, Diaz peppers guys with his hands but he won’t have to worry about ko power.
by Dball on Nov 16, 2009 2:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
That boring ass gameplan would work against most fighters
by Jimbobb on Nov 16, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wow
I wonder how accurate that info is. I’m not a fan of TMZ
Talking to you is like having phone sex with a deaf girl...
by Chief Warrant Officer on Nov 16, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It says he spoke to DW directly. I didn’t know it was TMZ I found it on. I just Googled lastest news on Brock, that is what it came up with.
by jay. on Nov 16, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, that's terrible.
The one and only Smitty...
by D_Smith on Nov 16, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea and they also are the same people
who reported kimo dead too
by HellaHectic on Nov 16, 2009 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
DID MY FIRST FANPOST GUYS
check it out and comment. those who don’t get it, on monday when people critique the sun. football games, it’s called “monday morning quarterbacking”
I just turned it into mma with “monday morning black belt,” it seemed better than monday morning conversations!
by kevjack115 on Nov 16, 2009 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Did I warn ya about the Broncos or did I warn ya...Indy's win cost me 3K last night!!!
by McArthur... on Nov 16, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tell Belicheat to mail you a check for his raging dumbassery.
by P-Dub on Nov 16, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ya, so that I can replace my TV and window…no explanation needed there eh?
by McArthur... on Nov 16, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are the TV and window included in the 3K loss, or did you lose 3K on a bet and have to replace the TV and window on top of that?
by P-Dub on Nov 16, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kidding about the TV but not about the 3K or the fact that my agonizing moan woke the baby forcing me to sleep on the couch
by McArthur... on Nov 16, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i said watch out for those SKINS
dude.....i am
by brendog on Nov 16, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Foreskins got my Cowboys next weekend, and Romo is tear them a new one after that debacle in Green Bay on Sunday.
by P-Dub on Nov 16, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Diaz
Diaz better sharpen his wrestling skills and learn how to keep his distance when throwing his jabs. Gray Maynard is not particularly good, he’s just tough.
Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma
by VeeisAnimated on Nov 16, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The thing is that I am not a fan of both fighters, but for me, I just want to see a loss on Maynard’s record. I actually want Nate Diaz to win this one even though I am not a fan of his. Maynard’s ‘fight’ with Rich Clementi really made me NOT a fan of Maynard. I will acknowledge that both are very good-to-great Lightweights though.
by chrisbboy82 on Nov 16, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great, another guy that will try to hold Diaz down. I hope Nate triangles his ass.
by M.w.M on Nov 16, 2009 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
no body better be downsizing diaz!
maynard will be getting his ass served when they fight he better not lay n pray diaz he’ll get his ass submitted! triangle choke 2nd round!
by crossbone on Nov 16, 2009 3:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Diaz doesnt have a chance
Maynard by clear UD.
by Lester The Pimp on Nov 16, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Diaz < Tough Grapplers/Wrestlers
I won’t say that Diaz had a poor showing against wrestlers/grapplers but he seemed complacent in just laying on his back defending himself while Guida or Sanchez set the pace and controlled him on the floor. I think Maynard’s compact build will give Diaz many problems on the floor. Niether guy has striking to brag about so the outcome of this fight doesn’t look really good for Diaz.
Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma
by VeeisAnimated on Nov 16, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tough fight for Nate!!
I love the Diaz Bro’s but this is going to be a tough one for Nate, Gray is a tough guy, I see him taking Nate down and holding him there for the win!!!!! Nate Im still picking you to win so you better sharpen up on your wrestling and choke this sucker out!!!!
by HEELHOOK on Nov 16, 2009 3:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Diaz has good length and decent hands to frustrate Maynard on the feet…
He will get beat up before pulling off a sub….then go smoke an L in the locker room with Nate and Nino Melendez….they wont invite shields
dude.....i am
by brendog on Nov 16, 2009 4:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
why do they even let gray fight
diaz is gonna own grey on their feet but greys gonna get close and hug him for 3 rounds. if diaz has any luck he will sub him
by Androooog on Nov 16, 2009 5:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nate Got Lucky but is Good Now.
I never liked Nate and I especially didn’t like that he won TUF because Manny Gamburyan’s shoulder gave out. Manny was killing Nate until the “pop.” After that, the rematch never ever happened and they pushed Manny over to the WEC never to get a shot at Nate again…
Still, Nate has grown up a lot in his fighting now. I think Gray is going to get smacked and submitted pretty handily by Nate. As they say on the previews, “Sorry Gray, you’re in my way! You know what I’m sayin? You know what I mean?”
Dont' give up till you throw up or pass out!
by dab0neman on Nov 16, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/726440—lesnar-needs-surgery-ufc-boss-says
Hey jesse you wanna look into it . I found it quite interesting .
by boysdesi on Nov 16, 2009 10:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maynard wins this...
I like to watch Diaz fight, but he still hasn’t figured out how to deal with wrestlers yet. Jujitsu isn’t the best counter, unless they make a mistake which Maynard won’t. And, Maynard’s hands have been looking great!
by Nick_fish on Nov 17, 2009 2:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
I wonder if that move that the Predator does, where he pulls out your spine with your skull still attached, is possible? If so, I hope someone does that to Nate soon – I just see his picture and want to smash his face with a spiked hammer :(
by Jimrod on Nov 17, 2009 2:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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