Nate Diaz vs. Gray Maynard To Headline Ultimate Fight Night 20
The two have already fought once, when Diaz submitted Maynard with a guillotine in the semifinals of the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter, although the bout technically counts as an exhibition and is not included in their official records. Diaz went on to win that season when he defeated Manny Gamburyan due to an injury at the Finale. Although he has at-times dazzled with his submission prowess, Diaz has also shown he cannot handle the overwhelming top control of strong wrestlers, as evidenced by his decision losses to Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson. He will certainly have his hands full with Maynard who may have the best wrestling at 155 lbs in the UFC.
It’s a solid rematch between two guys who are developing into names in the division. I don’t see it as too competitive given that Diaz lets himself get controlled too often and doesn’t possess the full threat of a guy like Roger Huerta. On the feet I don’t imagine Nate to have too much of an advantage either so it should be the kind of fight that continues to set Maynard up as a potential challenger to BJ Penn down the road.
