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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