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Ultimate Fight Night "Maynard vs. Diaz" is taking place on Monday January 11 from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia.  The main event features a lightweight matchup between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz, and the winner of this bout could make a case to be the next contender for BJ Penn's lightweight belt.  MMA Recap's Brent Todd caught up with Maynard to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming battle.

When we last spoke with you, we mentioned the possibility of a rematch between you and Nate Diaz. At the time you said it didn't matter and that you trusted the UFC's "plan". What were your thoughts when you were offered this fight?
It's really the only fight that made sense and I'm always happy to have a chance to revenge a loss. I was happy with their decision.


How do you think Nate has grown as a fighter since his time in the house?
Fighting in the UFC you gain experience with every fight. Especially the level of competition he has been facing. He evolved in areas, I still see the same type of skills he's always had, but they've just gotten better.

How is your training camp going?
I got it down to a routine now. Its been great so far!!!

Anything in particular you are training differently or focusing on for this fight?
Of course I'm working on my Ju Jitsu and fighting a southpaw. This will be my fourth southpaw in a row, so I'm definitely getting the hang of it!!

Which lightweight fighter not in the UFC would you like to see brought in? And who would you like to see welcome this fighter to the organization?
There's a lot of good lightweights out there. Right now Aoki, Alvarez, and Kawajiri are doing really good. But this is a business and if it works great, if not, there's always really good competition to face in the UFC. Those guys got to do what's best for them and the UFC needs to do the same. I think there's a hand full of guys in the UFC that would like a chance to fight any of them.

 

I am excited for this fight. Maynard also gives his thoughts on Edgar Penn as well as how this fight will play out in the full interview