Following a decisive victory over Joe Lauzon in UFC 155's "Fight of the Night" last month; Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight Jim Miller is looking to avenge the first loss of his UFC career to Gray Maynard.
"The Bully" defeated Miller by unanimous decision at UFC 95 in March 2009 and in the process, snapped what was an eight-fight win-streak for Miller.
Nearly four-years later, the New Jersey native has his sights set on earning some revenge over one of the best fighters in the world at 155-pounds.
"I guarantee you nobody else is asking to fight Gray," Miller told MMA Junkie following his victory over Lauzon in what was one of the bloodiest fights in recent memory.
Maynard (11-1-1, 1 NC) was actually scheduled to compete against Lauzon at UFC 155 before a knee injury sidelined the former two-time title challenger roughly one-month before the event, allowing Miller to step in as a replacement.
The 33-year-old has not competed since a split decision victory over Clay Guida last June, a victory that marked the first time Maynard's hand was raised in a UFC fight since August 2010.
With Miller having taken care of Maynard's originally scheduled opponent inside the Octagon, he wants to open 2013 by redeeming a loss and knocking Maynard off his place as one of the division's top-ranked fighters.
Miller (22-4) has never had stock more valuable after his memorable performance at UFC 155, and with victories over Melvin Guillard and Lauzon in 2012; the 29-year-old has proven he is near the top of the division.
A win over an opponent like Maynard would prove how close to the top Miller really is.
Both fighters have evolved a lot since their first meeting back in 2009, and given the current landscape of the lightweight division, a rematch makes sense.
Would you like to see Miller vs. Maynard, part 2? Why or why not?
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Have at it, Maniacs.