Five days ago, reports surfaced that TUF 8 lightweight winner Efrain Escudero would be facing Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 20. However, things have been changed up, and Lentz will now fight Jeremy Stephens at the January event, according to MMAJunkie.com.

It is not yet known why Escudero was removed from the bout against Lentz. According to the report, Escudero is still expected to grace the card against another opponent.

Stephens (16-5) is fresh off of a first-round TKO win over Justin Buchholz at UFN 19 last month. The bout was turning into an exciting, back and forth brawl until a huge cut opened on Buchholz's face, prompting the stoppage. Prior to the win, he lost back-to-back fights in the Octagon against Joe Lauzon and Gleison Tibau.

Stephens currently owns an even UFC record of 4-4, with other Octagon wins coming against Rafael dos Anjos, Cole Miller and Diego Saraiva. He has finished 14 of his 16 career wins including 12 by TKO or KO.

Lentz (17-3-1) is unbeaten in his last nine bouts, which include a draw with WEC veteran Kyle Jensen, as well as wins over Dan Loman and UFC veteran Drew Fickett. He most recently defeated Rafaello Oliveira in his UFC debut in September at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort."

Though not officially announced, UFC Fight Night 20 will likely take place on Jan. 11 in Fairfax, Virginia and the main card will be televised live on Spike TV.

Headlining the event is a crucial lightweight bout between Gray Maynard and Nate Diaz. Other match-ups tentatively set for UFN 20 include top-ten ranked welterweight Josh Koscheck taking on UFC sophomore Mike Pierce and TUF 1 cast member Chris Leben facing Jay Silva.