British bantamweight Davey Grant was submitted by rear naked choke in the second round of his TUF 18 men's final with Chris Holdsworth.
In the main event, Diaz brought about the downfall of Maynard with a short, chopping left hand in the opening round, which wobbled the shorter, stockier wrestler. Up to that point, Maynard had been the aggressor, but Diaz was quick to capitalise.
A series of 17 unanswered punches from Diaz, and one kick to the face left Maynard out on his feet, against the fence. Referee Yves Lavigne stepped in to stop the contest. Fine performance from Diaz, who can now work his way back towards a title shot.
Neither Diaz, nor Skrap Pack team-mate Gilbert Melendez, have fought UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Both could be potential fights in 2014.
Peña dominated Jessica Rakoczy from the opening hooter in the first women's TUF finale, taking the boxer to the ground and grinding her out, finishing the final minute pounding her rival until referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the contest with one second remaining.
Peña praised team coach Miesha Tate, adding that she "could not have done it without her".
The interview with the TUF 18 coaches Tate and women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, from Octagonside, was priceless. The body language, refusal to indulge in eye contact, and clear dislike for each other only adds to the anticipation ahead of their contest, a second meeting, at UFC 168 on December 28.
Davey Grant, the British fighter in the men's TUF 18 final, had an excellent first round against Chris Holdsworth, the Team Alpha Male bantamweight. In a trial of strength and striking in the opener, there was little to separate the two men.
But in the second round, a minute in, Holdsworth caught Grant with a shin to the face, and although the British fighter caught the leg, he was stunned and as they went to the ground, but went for a choke.
But once on the canvas, Holdsworth began to exert his superior ground game. From side control, Holdsworth took Grant’s back got it, and finished the fight at the second attempt by rear-naked choke.
Holdsworth said: the “It’s been a long six months with the show and the anticipation, keeping the secret, but hard work pays off,” Holdsworth said. “Hat’s off to Davey Grant. I really respect him. He’s a great fighter and a great human being, and I wish him luck in the future.”
Holdsworth (5-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) remains unbeaten, all of his wins by submission. Grant (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) had his eight-fight unbeaten streak strangled by the Sacramento fighter, whose mantra at home has been 'Win the Ultimate Fighter; Pay Taxes". He can now do both after winning TUF 18 and a six-figure three-fight contract.
Earlier, Akira Corassani was awarded the featherweight bout with Maximo Blanco after a knee to the nose with his knee, foot, and a hand on the ground. Corassani claimed he was in no position to continue, as he could not see.
TUF Finale 18 results
Lightweight Nate Diaz def. Gray Maynard TKO (punches) Round 1, 2:38
Women's Bantamweight Julianna Peña def. Jessica Rakoczy TKO (punches & elbows) Rd 1, 4:59
Bantamweight Chris Holdsworth def. David Grant Submission (rear-naked choke) Rd 2, 2:10
Women's Bantamweight Jessamyn Duke def. Peggy Morgan Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Women's Bantamweight Raquel Pennington def. Roxanne Modafferi Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Preliminary card
Featherweight Akira Corassani def. Maximo Blanco DQ (illegal knee) Rd 1, 0:25
Featherweight Tom Niinimäki def. Rani Yahya Decision (split) (29-28,
28-29, 30-27)
Heavyweight Jared Rosholt def. Walt Harris Decision (unanimous)
(29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight Sean Spencer def. Drew Dober Decision (unanimous) (30-27,
30-27, 30-27)
Preliminary card
Catchweight (127.5 lbs) Joshua Sampo def. Ryan Benoit Submission
(rear-naked choke) 2 4:31
Bonuses:
Fight of The Night: Josh Sampo vs. Ryan Benoit
Knockout of The Night: Nate Diaz
Submission of the Night: Chris Holdsworth
