Tag: Matt Hamill

Bleacher Report’s James Ryan:

They say that three times is a charm, although I’m not exactly sure who “they” are…

Perhaps they are gypsies? Or fortune tellers? Or Bas Rutten in the flesh?

I don’t really know, but I do know that the current UFC Lightweight Champion, Frankie “the Answer” Edgar, had better hope that luck is on his side on the 28th of May, when he is set to face-off for the third time in his professional MMA career (second time consecutively) against his old nemesis, Gray “the Bully” Maynard, at UFC 130 in Las Vegas.

After two previous meetings, it is apparent that Maynard holds the advantage against Edgar, despite fighting to what was a very exciting draw at UFC 125. The first encounter between these two warriors was approximately three years ago at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon, which saw Maynard win via unanimous decision (hence the edge).

Edgar has yet to redeem that loss, and like any competitive athlete, I would have to think that it weighs heavily on his mind from time to time (yeah…that’s an understatement).

If Edgar plans to retain his belt for a third successive title defense, he had better hope for a better game plan than simply surviving the first round. As impressive as Edgar was for weathering the storm, I wouldn’t think that he would be so lucky a second time around.

If he finds himself in trouble again like the last time, I don’t see this fight going the full distance—a rarity for both fighters.

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Bleacher Report’s Robert Gardner:

UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar will meet Gray “The Bully” Maynard for a third time on May 28. Not only will Edgar be looking to defend his UFC title but he will also be looking to finally avenge his only career loss.

Edgar and Maynard first met back in April 2008 with Maynard picking up the win via unanimous decision. After that loss, Edgar went on a tear, winning his next three fights and earning a shot at then-UFC Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn.

Is a stunning upset, Edgar defeated Penn at UFC 112 then drove the point home by dominating the legend in his first title defense at UFC 118.

Edgar then met Maynard for the second time at UFC 125. After Edgar fought his way out of trouble in the first round, the two would battle back and forth leaving the judges no other choice but to rule the epic battle a draw.

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UFC 130 is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 28.

The main event on the card will see UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) defend his title against challenger Gray Maynard (10-0-1-1).

The two have met twice in the past. The first bout, in 2008, resulted in a unanimous decision win for Maynard.

Edgar would rebound from that loss to go on to defeat BJ Penn for the UFC lightweight title in April of 2010. Edgar and Maynard fought for that title on Jan. 1 of this year, battling to a majority draw. The result put the title back in the hands of Edgar and drew an immediate rematch.

Also appearing on the main card of UFC 130 will be Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt Hamill in a light heavyweight fight that is developing into somewhat of a grudge match as the fighters and their respective camps have been exchanging words since the fight was announced.

Three other fights make up the main card:

Frank Mir versus Roy Nelson

Stefan Struve versus Travis Brown

Brian Stann versus Jorge Santiago

Bleacher Report will be your source for news, analysis and opinions on the upcoming fight card.

Check back often as the fight card nears for all the UFC 130 information you need.

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