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Who will win the rematch between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard? Can the UFC sell it as a viable headliner?
SAM MATTHEW, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Well this is one tough fight to call but based on styles I would have to go with Maynard. His heavy hands set up takedowns at will that Edgar will have trouble avoiding despite his speed. If Edgar’s going to win it will happen by employing the same gameplan he used to beat Penn by sticking and moving to win a decision. Maynard will also be looking for his usual decision by keeping the new champ on his back for 25 minutes, so it’s a unanimous decision prediction either way. If Randy Couture vs. Mark Coleman can be sold as a headliner then Zuffa should have no trouble with this one. First off, it’s a five rounder, second, it’s a rematch with the current champ’s only loss coming to his undefeated challenger. Plenty of drama for the TV hype and the online MMA media fanatics.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I'll answer the second part first. No, it won't be a viable headliner in terms of name value or excitement. This fight is almost assuredly going all five rounds. Unless this is paired with a more exciting fight as a co-main event, it's going to be a hard-sell. I don't think the UFC will do a Primetime series on this fight, which would help generate interest. Both guys have interesting backstories, it's a shame that their fighting styles aren't as interesting.
I think Edgar is on a huge roll, but I think Gray pulls out the decision. It's a slight bump in his favor. I could easily see this being a 48-47 type of fight.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH SPECIALIST
This will he a tough fight to sell. Even with the way Edgar dominated Penn, this fight does not have the headline fighter it needs to get close to one million pay per view buys. Unless they find two big names to attach as the co- main event, this event will suffer. I personally think it will be an aggressive and exciting fight. Styles make fights and these guys are made for each other. Maynard wins this in a third round TKO. He will use his size and strength to out wrestle Frankie.
LARAMEY LEET, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Picking the winner will be quite easier than making that pay-per-view sell. Who wants to see Maynard lay and pray on another victim. I think that Edgar's game has advanced tremendously since their first encounter, Maynard will take Edgar down in the fight though. Edgar is moving very well though, and if he can avoid takedowns he will come out with the win. I really hope that the UFC builds a stacked card around this championship bout. That is going to be the only way it sells. Even though Edgar gained much respect by fans he still is not the most popular fighter. And most people are like "Gray who?" So both of these guys will have to work damn hard to sell this fight, maybe they can take some notes from Chael Sonnen!
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Who WILL win? Who knows. Edgar looks like the better fighter today, but Maynard was superior when they faced off. How much stock can we put in that fight from 2008? I say not a lot, as Edgar has evolved. Maynard has the best individual skill (his wrestling), but Edgar has the better toolbox, and a major speed advantage. I don't who will win, but I'd lean towards Edgar.
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