UFC 136 Fight Card: Quick Fight Not Likely from Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

If UFC history has taught us anything, it's that people who buy tonight's UFC 136 main event will get their money's worth.

The first fight between these two men came more than three years ago, in April 2008. Maynard beat Edgar 30-27 in a tough fight. That was Edgar's first and only loss.

The second fight in January 2011 drew high praise here from MMA Torch's Jamie Penick.

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"It wasn't just a 'Fight of the Year' candidate. The five-round battle between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard was one of the UFC's best-ever fights. It had everything fans could possibly ask for from a fight."

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That was the last fight that either man engaged in. Not only did the fight go to a decision, but it ended in a draw. Edgar kept his lightweight championship as a result.

The only fight that Maynard has ever entered that didn't end in a win came against Edgar. The only fight that Edgar has ever entered where he didn't win came against Maynard.

Not only that, but both fights went to a decision, and one ended in a draw.

I'm inclined to pick Edgar to win here. Being the champion gives him a tremendous advantage.

Even though Maynard has beaten Edgar, he has to be thinking that he needs a knockout.

Given Edgar's speed and the history of the two men, it's not likely that we'll see a knockout or submission.

Now, I will say this. If someone came up to me and said that it will end in a knockout, I would say that Maynard is the likely winner. His wrestling ability, power and desperation would give him the edge in that regard.

But these two just don't have that history. Even when they're not fighting each other, they have a tendency to let things go to the judges.

So, I will go with the champion to retain. But my guess is that the judges will be forced to make that decision.