MMA Mania establishes the context:
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.
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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.
I'd be shocked if the first fight looked anything like the second with Maynard's massive improvement. We shall see.
I'm very excited for high-level professional MMA to be in my backyard, but I will not stop asking the UFC for their stance on Virginia's athletic commission. In the wake of the very dubious UFC 104 and UFC 105 decisions, it becomes more important than ever the largest and most important MMA organization in the world use their considerable resources and leverage to make sure the government of Virginia properly regulates this contest. That means no fighters wearing pants, no botched weigh-ins and judges who understand what back control means.
To the staff of the UFC: I humbly ask that you assuage the fears of many by indicating how you plan on working with Virginia's athletic commission to make sure the event is properly regulated and professionally run.
Nate Diaz, Gray Maynard and all of the fighters on the card deserve no less.
SBN coverage of UFN 20: Maynard vs Diaz