Video: Despite being unofficial, Gray Maynard considers first fight with Nate Diaz a loss

Even though his first meeting with Nate Diaz was technically an exhibition contest, Gray Maynard considers the result to be a loss just like any other.

“I count that as a loss,” Maynard on Wednesday told MMAjunkie Radio. “Any time you go into the octagon to compete, that’s a loss.”

The fight did not count toward the official records of Maynard (11-2-1 MMA, 9-2-1 UFC) or Diaz (16-9 MMA, 11-7 UFC) because it took place on the set of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show, which they were on in Season 5.

The two men met in the semifinal round of the competition, and Diaz came out victorious with with a guillotine choke.

Although Diaz would go on to win the show and the six-figure UFC contract, Maynard still got a shot to fight in the UFC, where he has gone on to have a successful career – including a pair of lightweight title fights against former champ Frankie Edgar.

Several years after crossing paths on “TUF,” UFC officials set up another fight between the two lightweight contenders, except this time it would be official, and in a main-event slot no less.

Maynard would scratch his way to a narrow split-decision victory at UFC Fight Night 20; however, Diaz has always protested the result, saying he believes the judges should have given him the nod.

On paper it would seem that Maynard has the upper hand against Diaz, but while his record may show one win and no losses against the resident of Stockton, Calif., Maynard still feels the emotions of the first fight.

“When you beat me and it hurts like a loss, I count that,” Maynard said. “I’m not going to lie.”

Fortunately for Maynard, he will have the chance to score yet another official win over Diaz and further erase the memories of the first meeting.

The two “TUF 5? casemates are set to collide in the main event of “The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale” Saturday at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The event airs on FOX Sports 1 with prelims action streaming on MMAjunkie.

After suffering a deflating knockout loss against T.J. Grant in his last UFC appearance, the pressure is on Maynard to deliver a spectacular performance in this weekend’s headlining act.

While some may think the 34-year-old is on the tail end of his career with only one win in his past four fights, Maynard claims he’s feeling as good as ever and will show observers how much he has left when the cage door closes.

“I feel as if I have a long time in the sport,” Maynard said. “I’m still feeling great, I really am.”

For more on The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.