UFC NEWS: UFC 130 "Edgar vs. Maynard III" officially announced; Jackson-Hamill, Mir-Nelson, Stann-Santiago and Struve-Browne all official
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard will officially meet for a third time this May, as the UFC has announced UFC 130: Edgar vs. Maynard III for May 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two fighters battled to a draw at UFC 125 on New Year's Day in their second meeting, with Edgar retaining the title. The two will now clash in an immediate rematch for the UFC Lightweight Championship. "The last time Gray and Frankie fought, they put on one of the best fights of the year," UFC President Dana White said in today's release. "It was the draw no one really complained about. I think a lot of people saw in that fight that Frankie Edgar is the real deal. This is the third and last time these two will come together and the stakes have never been higher." Both lightweights commented on their third fight as well, and both are ready to make their mark in UFC history as one of the few trilogies to take place in the Octagon. "I'm excited for our third fight and to have a definite winner," Edgar said. "I want to go out there and prove that I am the best lightweight in the world. I feel honored to be a part of a trilogy like this. Like the Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture trilogy, I hope this is something fight fans remember for years. Our last two fights went to decision and I would love a finish this time so there are no doubts." "I'm very excited to fight Frank Edgar again at UFC 130," Maynard said. "This is my chance to prove once and for all that I'm the best lightweight in the world. You'll see me the most prepared and focused I've ever been. Nothing will keep me from holding the UFC lightweight belt on May 28." In addition to the highly anticipated rematch, the UFC officially announced the full five fight main card with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Matt Hamill, Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson, Stefan Struve vs. Travis Browne and Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago. Tickets for the event go on sale next week, ranging from $75 to $800. UFC Fight Club members can access a presale for the event beginning on Thursday, March 17, while tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, March 19.
|
Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_8710.shtml