Gray Maynard vs. Frankie Edgar gets official confirmation for UFC 125
It had been rumoured weeks ago, but late Monday, October 18, the Ultimate Fighting Championships confirmed that Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar will have to complete his second title defence against challenger
Gray 'The Bully' Maynard. The fight will take place on the 1 January 2011 card, which is also rumoured to feature Shane Carwin taking on Roy Nelson as a co-main event. The Edgar-Maynard clash will be for the 155lb lightweight belt and the title of number one
in the division in the world.
"I’m very excited to be fighting New Year’s Day against a fighter that has a win over me," Edgar said in a press release. "I’m looking forward to putting on a great show and avenging my one loss. There are
still a lot of people that are doubting me and that’s fine. I’ve learned a lot since our last fight and I plan on successfully defending my title."
The loss Edgar is referencing came from a decision defeat to Maynard two and a half years ago, when the larger Maynard out-wrestled Edgar for three rounds for a decision, which is his typical route to victory.
That has Maynard opening as a slight favourite on betting lines.
"I’m excited and honoured to be fighting Frank Edgar in a lightweight title bout for the UFC," Maynard said. "Edgar is a great opponent; I’m looking forward to an exciting and tough fight with him. After
years of hard work and sacrifice, this brings me one step closer to my goal of winning the belt."
Maynard’s reference to an exciting bout may be an attempt to get fans to overcome their scepticism of the potential for the bout. Both fighters have struggled to overcome the label of being a boring fighter,
with Maynard (10-0) having eight of his 10 wins coming by decision and Edgar (13-1) having gained eight of his wins in the same way.
Edgar first defeated B.J Penn in April to capture the title, and then won the rematch in August.
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