UFC 136 Fight Card: What Gray Maynard Must Do to Beat Frankie Edgar

In order to institute a changing of the guard, Gray "The Bully" Maynard should do a few things differently in the third matchup against his rival, Frankie "The Answer" Edgar.  

Gray Maynard is two inches taller, and has a two-inch reach advantage. In their last epic fight, he only used that advantage during the first round, using his jab to set up a massive left hook that sent Edgar sprawling. "The Bully" almost turned the lights out on the champion, but Edgar valiantly hung on, despite the barrage.  

During the second round of the previous fight, "The Answer" responded in the second round with more head movement and utilized leg kicks to set up other attacks. Maynard must check those leg kicks and provide some movement of his own.  

As evidenced in his previous bouts with B.J Penn, Edgar can box with anyone, so giving him a stationary target is a recipe for disaster.  

Maynard should emphasize the fact that he is the Bully and look for takedowns early. Once again, referring to the previous fight, Maynard did look for takedowns, but he shot them at very predictable times.  

Maynard would go in for a takedown after getting hit with a power shot, or just wouldn't set them up at all. When Edgar throws body kicks, Maynard should attack then by catching a leg and sweeping the other.

In the event that Maynard lands a big shot, he shouldn't load up his left hand looking for a one-punch knockout. He hasn't knocked anyone out since his first UFC fight, and Edgar has proven that he is very tough to finish.  Instead, he should methodically pick apart the champion using the Bully tactics.  

What are Bully tactics? Basically, using your size and strength against the smaller man.  

If Maynard can neutralize Edgar's speed and conditioning by applying pressure with takedowns and in the clinch on the cage, he can walk away with a belt tonight.