Archive for the ‘UFC Fight Night 20’ Category

UFC Fight Night 20: Nick Catone vs Steve Steinbeiss booked for Jan. 11

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Up-and-coming middleweights Nick Catone (6-2) and Steve Steinbeiss (4-3) have been booked for a 185-pound showdown at the upcoming UFC Fight Night 20 event, tentatively scheduled for the Patriot Center on Jan. 11, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Catone made the announcement via his official website yesterday.

Training under Brazilian jiu-jitsu stud Ricardo Almeida in Hamilton, N.J., Catone made his Octagon debut against Derek Downey at UFC Fight Night 17, submitting “The Gentleman” via keylock.

He followed that up less than two months later against Ultimate Fighter vet Tim Credeur at UFC Fight Night 18. This time it would be “Crazy” who would capitalize, submitting Catone in the second round of their April 1 scrap via rear naked choke.

Catone went on to drop his second straight against Mark Munoz via split decision at UFC 102: “Couture vs. Noguiera” back on August 29 and will no doubt run the risk of getting released unless he wins big over Steinbeiss.

Like his opponent, Steinbeiss is at a dangerous point in his UFC career, having dropped two straight under the Zuffa banner.

“The Hooligan” made a brief appearance for the WEC, falling to Carmelo Marerro via split decision in November 2008. In his UFC debut at Fight Night 19 in September of last year, he was quickly submitted by Ryan Jensen via guillotine choke in the first round.

It’s do or die for both combatants in 2010.

UFC Fight Night 20 is expected to feature a rematch between Ultimate Fighter rivals Gray Maynard (8-0) and Nate Diaz (11-4), who will duke it out in a possible number one contender bout for the 155-pound title.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on the Jan. 11 card as they become available.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Nick Catone vs Steve Steinbeiss booked for Jan. 11

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Up-and-coming middleweights Nick Catone (6-2) and Steve Steinbeiss (4-3) have been booked for a 185-pound showdown at the upcoming UFC Fight Night 20 event, tentatively scheduled for the Patriot Center on Jan. 11, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Catone made the announcement via his official website yesterday.

Training under Brazilian jiu-jitsu stud Ricardo Almeida in Hamilton, N.J., Catone made his Octagon debut against Derek Downey at UFC Fight Night 17, submitting “The Gentleman” via keylock.

He followed that up less than two months later against Ultimate Fighter vet Tim Credeur at UFC Fight Night 18. This time it would be “Crazy” who would capitalize, submitting Catone in the second round of their April 1 scrap via rear naked choke.

Catone went on to drop his second straight against Mark Munoz via split decision at UFC 102: “Couture vs. Noguiera” back on August 29 and will no doubt run the risk of getting released unless he wins big over Steinbeiss.

Like his opponent, Steinbeiss is at a dangerous point in his UFC career, having dropped two straight under the Zuffa banner.

“The Hooligan” made a brief appearance for the WEC, falling to Carmelo Marerro via split decision in November 2008. In his UFC debut at Fight Night 19 in September of last year, he was quickly submitted by Ryan Jensen via guillotine choke in the first round.

It’s do or die for both combatants in 2010.

UFC Fight Night 20 is expected to feature a rematch between Ultimate Fighter rivals Gray Maynard (8-0) and Nate Diaz (11-4), who will duke it out in a possible number one contender bout for the 155-pound title.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on the Jan. 11 card as they become available.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Efrain Escudero vs Evan Dunham booked for Jan. 11

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) will try to continue his meteoric rise through the lightweight division when he faces Evan Dunham (9-0) — not Nik Lentz at the UFC Fight Night 20 event, tentatively scheduled for the Patriot Center on Jan. 11, in Fairfax, Virginia, according to MMA Fanhouse.

Escudero was originally penciled in to do battle against “The Carnie” however, a quick shuffle of the deck instead put Lentz opposite Jeremy Stephens.

“Hencho en Mexico” bested season favorite, Phillipe Nover, via unanimous decision at TUF 8 Finale to capture the 155-pound crown from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13.

The collegiate wrestling standout continued his winning ways when he floored the venerable Cole Miller in their lightweight clash at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” just over a month ago.

Escudero will look to push his perfect record to 13-0 with a win on the Spike TV broadcast.

Dunham, like Escudero, remains unbeaten inside the Octagon (or anywhere else for that matter). After demolishing Per Ecklund in his Octagon debut at UFC 95: “Sanchez vs. Stevenson” earlier this year, the Oregon native outlasted Marcus Aurelio at UFC 102: “Couture vs. Nogueira” to score the split decision victory.

A win over Escudero would undoubtedly leapfrog him into bigger opportunities — and some very stiff competition.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as additional details emerge in the near future.

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Jeremy Stephens (not Efrain Escudero) possible for UFC Fight Night 20 bout against Nik Lentz

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Grizzled UFC lightweight Jeremy Stephens (16-5) — not Efrain Escudero — will try to string together back-to-back wins inside the Octagon when he faces Nik Lentz (17-3-1) at UFC Fight Night 20, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in Fairfax, Virginia on Jan. 11, 2010.

MMAmania.com was informed of the change to our original report earlier today — bout agreements were recently distributed but have yet to be signed. Escudero is still expected to compete on the main card against a yet-to-be-named opponent.

“Lil’ Heathen” recently improved his record to 5-4 in the UFC. He was last seen pounding out Justin Buchholz at UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City back on Sept. 16 after dropping two straight to Hermes Franca and Gleison Tibau, respectively.

Despite those back-to-back losses, fans have not forgotten his “Knockout of the Night” at UFC 91: “Couture vs. Lesnar” when he sent Rafael dos Anjos back to Brazil with a thundering uppercut that he threw from what appeared to be the center of the cage.

It was among the most devastating finishes of 2008.

Stephens has really stepped up his training in anticipation of this event, calling on Josh Neer and Diego Sanchez to help refine every aspect of his offense and defense.

It’s sure to pay off come fight night.

Lentz is on a eight-fight win streak that dates back more than two years. He is a Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product who has competed primarily on the local circuit for most of his career.

“The Carnie” recently scored a unanimous decision win over Rafaello Oliveira in his Octagon debut at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” back on Sept. 19 and also outpointed UFC veteran Drew Fickett at SNMMA: “Beatdown at 4 Bears” to make a name for himself earlier this year.

A win over Stephens would undoubtedly leapfrog him into bigger opportunities — and some very stiff competition.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as additional details emerge in the near future.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Kyle Bradley vs Rafael Dos Anjos in the works for Jan. 11

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Up-and-coming lightweights Kyle Bradley (14-6) and Rafael dos Anjos (12-4) have been tapped for a possible 155-pound showdown at the upcoming UFC Fight Night 20 event, tentatively scheduled for the Patriot Center on Jan. 11, in Fairfax, Virginia.

MMAmania.com was able to confirm the proposed match-up with one of the fight camps earlier today.

Bradley was forced to withdraw from his UFC Fight Night 19: “Diaz vs. Guillard” bout against Sam Stout after a training injury left him unable to compete on the Sept. 16 card.

He’s been in a hurry to prove that his first round technical knockout win over Phillipe Nover at UFC 98: “Evans vs. Machida” back in May, which took less than 65 seconds, was no fluke.

That’s because the 155-pound bout was mired in controversy when it appeared that Nover — The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 lightweight finalist — was in trouble after a big slam and subsequent flurry from Bradley. However, replays showed that Nover appeared to be maneuvering for a submission when the referee in charge of the action, Yves Lavigne, stepped in to stop the action.

Regardless, the result stood and Bradley registered his first win inside the Octagon in three attempts. He’ll now have the chance to make it two out of four against the Gracie Fusion fighter.

The Brazilian notched his first win inside the Octagon by outpointing Rob Emerson at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” back on Sept. 19 after coming off the wrong end of Tyson Griffin decision at UFC Fight Night 18 back on April 1. Despite the loss, he was game the entire bout, earning him and Griffin an extra 30 G’s for putting on “Fight of the Night.”

Dos Anjos definitely has skills. Aside from winning nine straight prior to UFC 91, the Fury FC fighter was stifling Jeremy Stephens for most of their bout until a thunderous uppercut nearly air-mailed him back to Rio.

UFC Fight Night 20 is expected to feature a main event between contending lightweights Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard. In addition, former TUF stars Josh Koscheck and Chris Leben have also been penciled in to do battle in separate bouts.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more on this developing fight card.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Gray Maynard vs Nate Diaz in the works for Jan. 11

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

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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Chris Leben vs Jay Silva under consideration for UFC Fight Night 20

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Embattled The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) star Chris Leben will try to get himself back into the win column against promotion sophomore Jay Silva at UFC Fight Night 20, according to MMAWeekly.com.

No venue is known at this time. And the promotion has yet to officially announce the Spike TV event, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in northern Virgina on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Nonetheless, expect those announcements to come soon.

Leben had returned from a nine-month steroids suspension only to get submitted by Jake Rosholt (arm-triangle choke) in front of a hometown crowd at UFC 102: “Couture vs. Nogueira” back on Aug. 29.

“The Crippler” — a Portland-area native who relocated to Hawaii — tested positive for the performance-enhancing illegal steroid known as Stanazolol in the wake of his unanimous decision loss to Michael Bisping in the main event at UFC 89: “Leben vs. Bisping” in Oct. 2008.

As a result, Leben was suspended for nine months and fined one-third of his fight purse. Now the former TUF star can add back-to-back losses to his list of recent setbacks. Expect a very focused and determined Leben to emerge at UFN 20 — it could be a career defining moment.

The dangerous Silva had been perfect through five fights before dropping a unanimous decision loss to another former TUF star, CB Dollaway, at Ultimate Fight Night 19 back on Sept. 16.

After submitting Mark DaPolito in his mixed martial arts debut at Ring of Combat last year, Silva went on an absolute tear, ending his next four contests by way of (technical) knockout.

Like Leben, Silva is a very dangerous and hard-hitting striker — just ask Reggie Orr, who was the victim of a Silva flying knee at “Call to Arms” back in May.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as more details emerge in the near future.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Efrain Escudero vs Nik Lentz in the works for Jan. 11

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) will try to continue his meteoric rise through the lightweight division when he faces Nik Lentz (17-3-1) at UFC Fight Night 20, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in northern Virgina on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

No venue is known at this time. And the promotion has yet to officially announce the Spike TV event. Nonetheless, expect those announcements to come soon.

Escudero bested season favorite, Phillipe Nover, via unanimous decision at TUF 8 Finale to capture the 155-pound crown from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13.

The collegiate wrestling standout continued his winning ways when he floored the venerable Cole Miller in their lightweight clash at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” just over a month ago.

Escudero will look to push his perfect record to 13-0 with a win on the Spike TV broadcast.

Lentz is on a eight-fight win streak that dates back more than two years. He is a Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product who has competed primarily on the local circuit for most of his career.

“The Carnie” recently scored a unanimous decision win over Rafaello Oliveira in his Octagon debut at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” back on Sept. 19 and also outpointed UFC veteran Drew Fickett at SNMMA: “Beatdown at 4 Bears” to make a name for himself earlier this year.

A win over Escudero would undoubtedly leapfrog him into bigger opportunities — and some very stiff competition.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as additional details emerge in the near future.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Efrain Escudero vs Nik Lentz in the works for Jan. 11

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 8 champion Efrain Escudero (12-0) will try to continue his meteoric rise through the lightweight division when he faces Nik Lentz (17-3-1) at UFC Fight Night 20, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in northern Virgina on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

No venue is known at this time. And the promotion has yet to officially announce the Spike TV event. Nonetheless, expect those announcements to come soon.

Escudero bested season favorite, Phillipe Nover, via unanimous decision at TUF 8 Finale to capture the 155-pound crown from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13.

The collegiate wrestling standout continued his winning ways when he floored the venerable Cole Miller in their lightweight clash at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” just over a month ago.

Escudero will look to push his perfect record to 13-0 with a win on the Spike TV broadcast.

Lentz is on a eight-fight win streak that dates back more than two years. He is a Minnesota Martial Arts Academy product who has competed primarily on the local circuit for most of his career.

“The Carnie” recently scored a unanimous decision win over Rafaello Oliveira in his Octagon debut at UFC 103: “Franklin vs. Belfort” back on Sept. 19 and also outpointed UFC veteran Drew Fickett at SNMMA: “Beatdown at 4 Bears” to make a name for himself earlier this year.

A win over Escudero would undoubtedly leapfrog him into bigger opportunities — and some very stiff competition.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as additional details emerge in the near future.

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UFC Fight Night 20: Josh Koscheck vs Mike Pierce set for Jan. 11 in Virginia

Friday, October 16th, 2009

koscheck_pierce

Top welterweight Josh Koscheck announced today via Twitter.com that he will return to action against Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 20, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in northern Virgina on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

No venue is known at this time. And the promotion has yet to officially announce the Spike TV event. Nonetheless, expect those announcements to come soon.

Koscheck is fresh off a first round technical knockout finish of former two-time 170-pound number one contender, Frank Trigg, at UFC 103 just last month. The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout has expressed numerous times his desire to fight whenever, wherever and against whoever the promotion sees fight.

This fight appears to be no different.

Here’s a snip from “Kos:”

“Like I said, I don’t care who I fight or where … just get me someone who wants to fight.”

Pierce certainly fits that description.

He recently stunned quite a few fans in his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 19, registering a convincing unanimous decision over the super tough Brock Larson. It was just the third loss in Larson’s impressive career. And it marked six straight wins for the surging Pierce.

Despite his recent success, Pierce will no doubt be a heavy underdog on fight night when he gets locked inside the cage opposite the 15-fight UFC veteran.

Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com for more on UFC Fight Night 20 as more details emerge in the near future.

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Posted in Josh Koscheck, MMA, Mike Pierce, UFC Fight Night 20, UFC Ultimate Fight Night (UFN), UFC Welterweight Division, UFC on SpikeTV, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) | No Comments »