Upcoming UFC 136 Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III, October 8th, 2011 from Houston, Texas.
I’m just gonna go ahead right away and say I’m pretty upset after living in and around Houston for 9 months I come home one week before this dream of a rematch comes to town? Okay, done with that, on to the exciting stuff. For the first time in a while I am excited about every single fight on the main card, and even a few on the undercard.
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard III – lightweight championship
No, Maynard is not a third generation Gray, this is the third time these two will be meeting in the cage and the instant rematch from their bout on New Years Day at UFC 125. This fight was pretty close to not happening. Dana White, like me, does not like the instant rematch, it just delays other championship matchups. Anthony Pettis, the last WEC lightweight champ, was promised the next title shot and it was even announced at the press conference that he would have it. Soon after though, Dana probably gave his head a shake and realized not only the challenger, but the current champ, Frankie Edgar, wanted to see that fight with a decisive result and needed the rematch. They had both fighters watch their New Years Day matchup and it was pretty interesting to hear what they had to say. Both fighters had themselves winning 48-46.
I would like to see Maynard finally put an end to this. The first round at UFC 125 he completely dominated. He knocked down Edgar 4, maybe even 5 times. Edgar looked bad, totally shaky, unable to get up, if it wasn’t a title match, it could possibly have been called. But to give him credit he did keep getting up. Also, if Maynard wanted to finish it, he should have in that round when Edgar was so weak. That was obviously the gameplan but unfortunately he wasn’t able to follow through and he gassed himself out a bit. The rest of the fight was back and forth but I thought Maynard took it. But no need talking about a fight 9 months ago, this is the fight at hand. Since it has been so long I really don’t know what to expect. I can only guess both have worked hard on their weaknesses from the last time their faced each other. I’m only hoping that Maynard worked on that knockout power so when he knocks down Edgar this time around, he stays down.
Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian – featherweight championship
I made the mistake of going against Aldo at his first title defense at UFC 129 but I won’t be making that mistake here. I just don’t think Florian has what it takes to finish him. The Ben Stiller lookalike is a fantastic fighter and has taken out some big names, but he has done so in four different divisions! That has to take a toll on his body. He has fought from 145 all the way up to 185. I think he fits better in this division, or even lightweight but I don’t think he can be the champ right now against Aldo. It’s a quote of a quote but I heard Anderson Silva said if Jose Aldo was 185, he’d retire. If Silva is scared of this dude, he’s gotta have something. I just hope it’s an exciting finish.
Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann – middleweight
This is so crummy to have to pick. This is Sonnen’s first fight back after all the controversy of his fight against Anderson Silva and drama afterwards. I really wanted to see him come in and redeem himself but this is an easy choice, Stann has quickly made his way into my top three fighters and I’m going with him. His last three fights have been exciting finishes, one submission and two huge TKOs. He’s an awesome guy and has already adopted Couture’s nickname Captain America, just added the 2.5. These two were about to start training together before this matchup was announced so it’s another friendly gone foe fight. Both fighters have great wrestling background and clearly have knockout strength. Either way, I don’t think these two will let the fight go to a decision. Another TKO for Stann? Yes please.
Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan – featherweight
This is the promised rematch from Phan’s UFC debut at the TUF Season 12 finale. I feel like he was robbed in that fight but since his recent loss to Mike Brown he does have a lot to prove. I hope he can do it, I’m a Phan… haha, get it?
Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon – lightweight
Guillard has been running through guys, Jeremy Stephens, Evan Dunham, Shane Roller but Lauzon also just had an impressive submission victory over Curt Warburton. I feel like Guillard may take this one but I’m really hoping Lauzon can pull it off. I was rooting for him when he faced George Sotiropolis at UFC 123 but after being disappointed there I want to see him win it.
