As expected UFC 125 will kick off the 2011 fight season when UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar (13-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) rematches Gray Maynard (10-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in a championship main event on Jan 1.
Additionally, top-ranked heavyweights Shane Carwin (12-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) and Roy Nelson (15-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) meet in the co-main event of the New Year's Day show.
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard was known to be coming since Edgar's defeat of B.J. Penn in their rematch and Maynard defeating Kenny Florian in a #1 contender bout on the same card. The two men met previously in October, 2008 with Maynard earning a decision win. It is the only loss in the career of Edgar and one he'll be looking to avenge en route to retaining his championship.
Ever since the Shane Carwin steroid story broke there has not been any fighter as outspoken in his criticism of the former heavyweight title challenger than Roy Nelson. The bout between the two heavyweights will be a complete clash of body types and a battle of styles. Carwin is a powerhouse who relies on incredible striking power to finish opponents quickly, Nelson has good power but is also a tremendous fighter from the top on the ground and has cardio beyond what one would assume looking at his rather rotund frame.