WKR Staff Picks for UFC Fight Night 20

Nate Diaz (11-4) vs. Gray Maynard (8-0)

Zach Krantz: Considering I live in Cleveland and was a stone's throw from St. EDs for my first nine months here I think I would be stoned (see how I brought it back) if I chose Diaz.  Diaz got Maynard on the show, but Maynard is not the same fighter he once was.  Diaz has shown difficulties against smart wrestlers (Stevenson and Guida) so this fight is made for Gray.  I will make the assumption that Maynard does not change his style to secure a title shot and Maynard will win via unanimous decision.

Nick Becker: When you look at the post-TUF careers of both men, it's clear that Maynard has shown the most improvement. Just as any fighter has a "puncher's chance," Nate has a "grappler's chance" - it's just not a good one. I'm a huge Nate Diaz fan so it pains me to say this but, "The Bully" should dominate this fight in boring usual fashion. You can also expect a frustrated Diaz to flip Maynard the bird at some point. Maynard via Unanimous Decision.

Spencer Kyte: When they met during TUF 5, Maynard was still super-green and got caught by the more experienced Diaz. Now, Joe Stevenson delivered a great blueprint for how to use wrestling to frustrate Diaz and come away with a win, and Maynard will follow it to the letter. He'll probably get called a bitch a time or two in the process, but that's old hat when facing Nick's kid brother. Maynard by Unanimous Decision.

Zak Woods: Gray Maynard deserves a title shot but with all the rumors that the UFC will choose Frankie Edgar due to style *cough he isn't a wrestler cough* Gray might do something stupid in an attempt to win the fight in spectacular fashion and end up getting submitted by Diaz instead. I am still going with Maynard though via unanimous decision.

Evan Dunham (9-0) vs. Efrain Escudero (12-0)

Zach Krantz: Dunham really impressed me in his last fight (which was obviously his goal), but Efrain is a horrible match up for him.  Dunham had significantly improved striking in his last fight and possesses solid grappling, but struggles from the bottom.  Efrain's wrestling and takedowns should score him the victory.  Dunham's best shots at winning are either Efrain falling in love with his standing due to his Cole Miller KO or if Dunham can use his straight to keep Efrain from closing the distance.  I do not see either happening as we will see another decision as Escudero takes the fight via unanimous decision. 

Nick Becker: This is an extremely tough fight to call. Dunham showed tremendous heart in his last bout against Marcus Aurelio and Escudero really impressed against Cole Miller. That being said, I believe Dunham is the more well rounded of the two fighters and I'm not entirely sold on Efrain's stand up. Dunham via Split Decision in the Fight of the Night.

Spencer Kyte: Every time I think of this fight, I can't get Escudero's fight with Cole Miller out of my head. Probably because I see it going the same way. Dunham has solid power (ask Per Eklund) and did a good job of picking his spots against Marcus Aurelio, but Escudero will be pushing forward the whole time, looking for takedowns and throwing hands. The TUF 8 winner has the makings of a future champion, and he shows it here. Escudero by TKO, Round 1.

Zak Woods: I have picked against Escudero in the past but I have learned my lesson and will go with him this time (adjust your bets accordingly). Escudero via TKO in Round 2.

SBN coverage of UFC Fight Night 20: Maynard vs. Diaz

Tom Lawlor (6-1) vs. Aaron Simpson (6-0)

Zach Krantz: More Lawler wins means more Lawler entrances and camera time for him.  Too bad it is not happening Monday night.  Lawler is quite a well rounded fighter, but Simpson is a top middleweight contender and will continue to look impressive Monday.  Expect a powerful finish as Simpson wins via TKO in Round 1. 

Nick Becker: Count on Lawlor making the most of his TV time with a wacky entrance and an equally memorable in-ring performance. Lawlor by Submission (of the Night) Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: There are lots of people riding "The A-Train" right now, as the 35-year-old sports six TKOs in six fights and has tremendous athleticism. Personally, I don't see where all the adoration comes from. Sure, he dominated Ed Herman, but that's no huge chore. Other than that, he's beaten journeyman, and probably got by on athleticism alone. For all Tom Lawlor's odd and entertaining tendencies, he's won three straight in the UFC and looked tremendous in putting Simpson's teammate C.B. Dollaway to sleep in under a minute at UFC 100. Lawlor by submission, Round 2.

Zak Woods: As long as Tom keeps walking out with Seth Petruzelli on a chain I will laugh but pick against him. Simpson via unanimous decision.

Brad Blackburn (15-9-1) vs. Amir Sadollah (2-1)

Nick Becker: I see this bout going one of two ways. Blackburn has the power to blast Amir like Hendricks did in their fight, but I can also picture Sadollah pulling a submission out of his rear-end like he did against Dolloway... Ultimately, I see Amir getting rocked by a couple hard shots but recovering in time to latch onto an arm. Sadollah via Submission Round 1.

Zach Krantz: The longer this fight goes the better for Amir.  Blackburn is power puncher who has won over half of his wins by knockout.  If this fight goes past round 1 I give to Amir, otherwise expect a quick KO from Blackburn.  Based off of Amir's lack of striking defense against Baroni my guess is his chin does not hold up and Blackburn wins via KO Round 1. 

Spencer Kyte: Beating an old and energy-deficient Phil Baroni is one thing. Sadollah looked good in a 15 minute showcase against "The New York Bad Ass," but Blackburn isn't going to tire after two minutes and play the role of a punching bag like Baroni did. In fact, "Bad Brad" will be more Johny Hendricks than Phil Baroni. It won't be as quick, but it will be as powerful, and Blackburn will hand the former TUF winner his second loss in three fights. Blackburn by TKO Round 2.

Zak Woods: I believe in Amir as much as I believe in Tony Romo winning a playoff game. Since I was wrong with the latter I will probably be wrong with the former. Blackburn via KO Round 1.

Chris Leben (18-6) vs. Jay Silva (5-2)

Nick Becker: Leben has looked less "Crippler" and more "Cripple" these days. A third straight loss may very well send him packing from the UFC and that's exactly what I expect to see coming out of this one. Silva by TKO Round 2.

Zach Krantz: The Chris Leben style of fighter is beginning to see its last days of relevance as fighters are becoming more well-rounded and technical to reach the peak of the mountain.  However, Silva is a fellow striker and Leben's chin will help him out this time as Chris wins via TKO in Round 2. 

Spencer Kyte: Silva over Leben

Zak Woods: Leben is fighting for his UFC career and usually wins when he is on teh verge of getting fired. Leben via split decision.

Jesse Lennox (11-1) vs. Rick Story (8-3)

Zach Krantz: Rick Story has underestimated potential.  He is quite well rounded therfore will fare well on his feet or on the mat.  Watch out for him making a little bit of run in the UFC (little bit) and will add a win Monday when Story wins via submission.

Nick Becker: In a battle between two evenly-matched opponents, I'm going with Lennox who has the more dynamic skill-set. Lennox via TKO Round 3.

Spencer Kyte: Story over Lennox

Zak Woods: Story via unanimous decision.

Nik Lentz (17-3-1) vs. Thiago Tavares (14-3)

Zach Krantz: Here is my upset of the night.  Do not get me wrong, Tavares is the better fighter, but he has shown problems with wrestlers.  If Lentz can implement some top control and go for the win instead of excitement we will see a unanimous decision victory by Nik Lentz. 

Nick Becker:Lentz's 17-3-1 record sounds good until you realize he's beaten more cans than a pissed off Campbell's factory worker. Regardless, I don't see Tavares getting his first finish in two and a half years here. Tavares by Unanimous Decision.

Spencer Kyte: Lentz over Tavares

Zak Woods: Tavares via Unanimous Decision.

Mike Guymon (11-2-1) vs. Rory MacDonald (9-0)

Zach Krantz: Guymon responds to me on twitter so I like him.  I am easily swayed.  However, MacDonald is a top prospect and this is meant to be a showcase for him.  Even though MacDonald is probably better at lightweight and Guymon will be his toughest test in the sport I'll take Rory via submission.

Nick Becker: I'm really hoping this fight makes the broadcast. Both of these guys have momentum on their side, but the hype surrounding MacDonald is too loud to ignore. MacDonald via KO (of the Night) Round 2.

Spencer Kyte: Rory MacDonald over Guymon - QUICK - KO of the Night

Zak Woods: Rory MacDonald via TKO in Round 2.

Kyle Bradley (14-6) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (12-4)

Zach Krantz: Dos Anjos via unanimous decision

Nick Becker: Could we be so lucky as to see the return of The Calf Slicer? Probably not, but here's hoping...  dos Anjos by Submission Round 1.

Spencer Kyte: Rafael dos Anjos over Bradley

Zak Woods: Dos Anjos via unanimous decision

Gerald Harris (13-2) vs. John Salter (4-0)

Zach Krantz: Harris's fight to lose and he won't.  Harris via TKO in Round 1.

Nick Becker: I'm going with the guy who was on TUF 7. That was a good season right? Harris via TKO Round 1.

Spencer Kyte: Harris over Salter

Zak Woods: Harris via TKO in Round 1.

Nick Catone (7-2) vs. Jesse Forbes (11-3)

Zach Krantz: Nick Catone is probably not going to knock Forbes out which is Forbes's question mark.  Look for an upset here as Forbes wins via submission in Round 2 and unfortunately Catone might be getting his pink slip. 

Nick Becker: 2010 is officially the year of the comeback. Bret Hart returns to the WWE, Hulk Hogan's back in Pro Wrestling, and Jesse Forbes makes his triumphant return to the UFC! Forbes via Sound Investment Advice.

Spencer Kyte: Forbes over Catone

Zak Woods: Nick Catone via submission.

SBN coverage of UFC Fight Night 20: Maynard vs. Diaz