A third meeting between UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar and Gray “The Bully” Maynard is reportedly set for UFC 130 on May 28th in Las Vegas. MMAFighting.com was first to report on the fight, which comes on the heels of the pair’s second bout at UFC 125; a Split Draw.

Edgar was battered and nearly finished on numerous occasions in the first round of the UFC 125 rematch, but battled back and earned at least three of the final four rounds on two judges’ scorecards. The bout was ruled even and Maynard was subsequently awarded a second title shot as a result.

Edgar (13-1-1), whose only career defeat came against Maynard when the two first fought at UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2, 2008, put together five straight victories after losing to Maynard. Among those wins were a pair of decision victories over “The Prodigy” B.J. Penn; the first of which earned Edgar the UFC Lightweight Championship. Some had expected Edgar’s rematch with Maynard to be a tepid affair, but nothing could have been further from the truth and Edgar was lucky to just barely survive the opening round at UFC 125. After regaining his senses, Edgar used crisp boxing skills and takedowns to score points on the judges’ scorecards, which led to the Split Draw.

Maynard (10-0-1, 1 NC) believed that he had won the rematch with Edgar, but was ultimately forced to settle for a Draw after five hard-fought rounds. He had won eight straight fights to finally earn a chance to become the UFC Lightweight Champion, and that run of victories included big wins over Jim Miller, Roger “El Matador” Huerta and Kenny “Ken-Flo” Florian. Though fans have been critical of Maynard’s style and recent string of decisions, he did everything he could to finish Edgar in the first round at UFC 125. Ultimately, it was not enough and the New Jersey native survived Maynard’s onslaught of punches. Maynard will now receive one more shot at the title.

UFC 130 is targeted for May 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)