Gray Maynard Gets Opponent for Return at UFC Fight Night 63

It’s been six months since Gray Maynard set foot in the Octagon, but he’s now slated to return at UFC Fight Night 63. The UFC announced on Monday that Maynard would face Russian fighter Alexander Yakovlev on April 4 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va.

Having twice challenged for the UFC lightweight championship, Maynard (11-4-1, 1 NC) is currently on a three-fight skid, having lost four of his last five fights.

Coming off of consecutive losses to TJ Grant, Nate Diaz, and Ross Pearson, Maynard is in desperate need of a victory when he steps in the cage in Virginia.

Yakovlev (21-6-1) isn’t in any better position than Maynard, having lost both times he has appeared in the Octagon. He lost to Demian Maia in May of last year, and then to Nico Musoke in October.

So, much like Maynard, Yakovlev needs a victory to ensure his spot on the roster. Having fought primarily at welterweight, he will be making the move down to lightweight for the fight with Maynard.

A featherweight contender bout between Chad Mendes and Ricardo Lamas headlines the UFC Fight Night 63 card.

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