UFC 125 Picks & Predictions: Edgar vs. Maynard
By Drew Sharper
LAS VEGAS, NV (TheSpread) – The main event of UFC 125 on Saturday is for the UFC Lightweight Championship as Gray Maynard takes on Frankie Edgar. Here is a look at my pick for this fight.
UFC 125 takes place from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10PM ET. Maynard enters the fight as the favorite according to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com as he has betting odds of -145 while the champion Edgar has betting odds of +115. Here is a look at both fighters heading into this fight.
Frankie Edgar (13-1)
Edgar is coming off back-to-back wins over B.J. Penn, which made him the lightweight champion. Edgar has quickly become one of the top fighters in the world as he has won five straight fights thanks to his speed and quickness. Edgar mixes in boxing with occasional takedowns to keep his opponents off guard and throw them off their game. Edgar is smaller for the division, which will play into this fight as his opponent is a very strong lightweight.
Gray Maynard (10-0)
Maynard is unbeaten in his UFC career and he already holds a unanimous decision victory over Edgar. Maynard is called “The Bully” because he uses his superior size and strength to wrestle opponents to the ground and control them. Maynard has won his last seven fights by decision, which has opened him up to criticism for failure to finish fights, but his style is effective. Maynard has improved his boxing skills, but he still lacks a lot of form and technique.
Who To Pick?
My pick for this fight is the champion as I think he has evolved more as a fighter since the first contest in 2008. Edgar has greatly improved his striking and speed and that has led to improved takedown power. Maynard will likely score some takedowns, but look for Edgar to be slicker on the ground. My pick is with Edgar to win by decision. UFC 125 FREE PICK: Frankie Edgar +115