• UFC 136

I'm already the UFC lightweight champion - Maynard

ESPN staff
October 5, 2011
Gray Maynard v Frankie Edgar

Gray Maynard is sitting on no fences ahead of UFC 136, insisting he is "100 per cent the favourite" against lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.

Maynard, undefeated in 12 career fights, has already faced Edgar twice, beating him in 2008 before battling to a draw in the rematch. The decisive contest arrives on Saturday though, with Maynard still desperate to get his hands on UFC gold.

He could barely have been closer to achieving his dream than in his last clash with Edgar, when he destroyed the champion in round one, but could not find a finish. In the Bully's eyes, UFC 136 is just the official ceremony for a championship coronation that effectively happened months ago.

"I've had that belt on for a long time, you just can't see it yet," said Maynard. "I don't want to talk about this fight. I don't want to have small talk about the fight. I just want to fight this dude.

"In my mind, I'm 100 per cent favourite. I don't care if it's him, if it's Georges St-Pierre ... when I'm prepared I feel confident.

"This is a title fight against a tough kid, and you've got to be prepared to go through a tough, hard scrap. I'm prepared to do that, but I'm looking to have him completely out - I want to finish him.

"I'm going to beat Edgar."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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