TUF 18 Finale: Nate Diaz Destroys Gray Maynard To End Trilogy

Highly ranked UFC lightweights Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard battled in the main event of tonight’s The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. It was a pivotal 155-pound showdown that was essentially a shot a maintaining relevancy for both combatants.

The fight began with Maynard stalking forward. Maynard tagged Diaz with a looping hook then secured a single leg takedown.  With his back taken, Diaz pulled off a slick judo throw. He wasn’t able to do much with the takedown but his chance was about to arrive.

Diaz blasted Maynard with a short shot on Maynard’s chin and then went to work with his high volume boxing, unleashing pinpoint shots at will. Maynard was out on his feet, and stumbled brutally to the ground after the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

The number eight-ranked Diaz made a huge statement with the win, righting the ship after a two-fight losing streak and emerging the victor in his trilogy with Maynard. He’ll parlay his newfound momentum into a fight against a top five-top ten kind of opponent.

Maynard, on the other hand, is on life support. He’s lost two straight by striking stoppage and has only one lackluster decision win in the last three years. It’s unclear where his career path will take him, but his days as a true lightweight contender appear long gone.

What are your thoughts on Diaz’ impressive win? Who should he fight next? And just what will become of “The Bully” who now finds himself getting bullied?

Outer Photo: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports