Frankie Edgar was unable to fully avenge his loss to Gray Maynard at UFC 125, although he remains the promotion’s lightweight champion.
Thanks to a draw finish, Edgar held onto his belt and setup a third bout with Maynard. The next title shot was originally promised to final WEC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, but based on the indecisive outcome at UFC 125, a third match seemed more logical.
Though unvictorious, Edgar nonetheless earned praise for surviving a first round onslaught at the hands of the powerful Maynard. Edgar was bloodied and rocked on multiple occasions, but he refused to go down. He recovered for round two and managed to overcome a 10-8 opening frame to garner an overall draw on the scorecards.
Elsewhere, Brian Stann upset Chris Leben’s ongoing quest for a Middleweight Championship shot. Eyed by many as a great opponent for Wanderlei Silva as a final test before scoring a rematch with Champion Anderson Silva, Leben needed to overcome Stann to join elite company at 185. Stann’s strikes, however, proved too powerful for Leben’s well-respected chin, and “The Cripper” fell several notches down the ladder.
Results follow:
Jacob Volkmann b. Antonio McKee via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Daniel Roberts b. Greg Soto via submission (kimura) at 3:45 of Round One
Diego Nunes b. Mike Brown via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Brad Tavares b. Phil Baroni via knockout (strikes) at 4:20 of Round One
Dustin Poirier b. Josh Grispi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jeremy Stephens b. Marcus Davis via knockout (punch) at 2:33 of Round One
Clay Guida b. Takanori Gomi via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 4:27
Dong Hyun Kim b. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Thiago Silva b. Brandon Vera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Brian Stann b. Chris Leben via TKO (strikes) at 3:37 of Round One
Frankie Edgar drew Gray Maynard (48-46, 46-48, 47-47)
