A highly anticipated third meeting between UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and No. 1 contender Gray Maynard will headline UFC 136 in October.
UFC officials on Friday confirmed the expected matchup, which takes place Oct. 8 at the Toyota Center in Houston. MMAfighting.com first reported that both sides verbally agreed to the date.
Edgar (13-1-1) retained his 155-pound title against Maynard (10-0-1) at UFC 125 in January by way of a draw. In what is widely considered one of the best fights of the year, Maynard dominated the opening round in Las Vegas before Edgar rallied to even the score after five rounds.
It was the second time the two had fought in the Octagon. They met for the first time on a UFC Fight Night card in April 2008, with Maynard taking a unanimous decision.
A third fight had been scheduled as the main event at UFC 130 in May, but Edgar was forced off the card because of a back injury. Immediately after Edgar's injury was reported, Maynard revealed he had been working through knee and elbow injuries.
At last, it appears both fighters have recovered and will be ready to meet in October. Earlier in the week, Maynard confirmed to ESPN.com in a text that he had been cleared and was anticipating a date to be set.
"Doing good," Maynard wrote. "I heard (Edgar's) been in the gym, too. (Houston) makes sense. Nothing for sure until I sign on the dotted line though."
Source ESPN.Com