---

2. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard
UFC 136
Oct. 8, 2011
In a thrilling performance that would come to define his reign atop the 155-pound division, Edgar survived another harrowing first round, roared back from behind and put away his previously unbeaten challenger. Edgar stopped Maynard on fourth-round punches in the UFC 136 main event at the Toyota Center. The champion brought finality to a riveting trilogy between the two rivals 3:54 into Round 4, having covered Maynard in a series of power punches. A right uppercut wobbled him, a right hook floored him and follow-up left hands on the ground finished him. In a scene that was eerily reminiscent of their second encounter nine months prior, Edgar weathered a violent storm in the first round. A ringing right uppercut from Maynard placed him in serious peril, and the three-time NCAA All-American appeared close to sealing the deal more than once. Maynard also connected with a beautiful straight hand and a stiff knee in close quarters. Bloodied and cut, Edgar retreated to his corner on the brink but still very much in the fight. Maynard eased his foot off the gas in the second round in what proved to be a strategic blunder. He was never able to re-establish himself, as Edgar’s superior footwork, lateral movement and boxing skills took over. In the fourth round, Edgar staggered Maynard with a short right uppercut during a scramble, sending him backpedaling into the cage. Another right hand blasted through and a wicked right hook planted Maynard face down on the canvas. Edgar then swarmed with left hands, forcing the stoppage.

Finish Reading » Number 1